Khat Drug
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Khat as an Addictive Drug
Khat has been in use since the 13th century as a recreational substance. And the plant is still being chewed for this same purpose today. Some people extract the juice to experience more potent effects.
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Khat Abuse and Addiction, Rehab Is Your Best Chance
Khat is a plant that is grown primarily in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Because of its stimulant effects, khat is typically chewed and used for social situations. This plant is considered a normal “social lubricant” in certain parts of the world.
However, khat has a dark side due to the fact that it can be addictive and may even cause health problems such as anorexia and heart attack. This plant has plenty of other harmful side effects, and so it is worth taking a closer look at the effects of khat.
Khat Overview
Pronounced as “cot”, khat is a plant that has the scientific name of “Catha edulis”.
Khat has been in use since the 13th century as a recreational substance. And the plant is still being chewed for this same purpose today. Some people extract the juice to experience more potent effects. Others brew it as tea, sprinkle it as a powder, or turn it into a paste. Some users smoke khat instead.
The plant quickly loses its potency within two days of being cut. That’s why a lot of users who are addicted to khat prefer to chew fresh leaves.
Cathinone and Cathine are the two main psychoactive ingredients in khat. Both of these are very similar with amphetamine in terms of chemical structure.
The US classifies Cathinone as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means it has no medical use and a high risk of abuse. This makes it dangerous for people who are abusing these substances. In fact, it belongs in the same category as LSD, heroin, and ecstasy.
Cathine, on the other hand, falls under Schedule IV. It has some medical use, but still poses a moderate risk for dependence. Cathine belongs in the Schedule IV category along with other drugs that have a low risk for abuse such as Xanax, Valium, and Ambien.
While khat is legal in certain parts of the world, it is illegal in the United States.
Khat Abuse and Addiction
Khat is sometimes smuggled under the guise of tea. Street names for khat include Cat, Catha, Gat, Jaad, Jat, Kat, Abbysinian tea, Miraa, Mairungi, Oat, Qat, Qaad, and Tohai.
Some users compare the plant to coffee. However, khat is more similar to cocaine and other amphetamines because of its addictive potential. Users often feel euphoric and energized after chewing on khat. They may become more talkative, excited, and sociable.
But using khat can also lead to adverse effects like constipation, irritability, insomnia, manic behavior, and breathing difficulties.
Khat use may also lead to increased heart and breathing rate, as well as elevated blood pressure and body temperature. Unfortunately, some people rely on this substance to improve their sociability, regardless of its negative impact.
It is possible to develop a psychological dependence on the plant, which is what leads to addiction. An addicted individual will be unable to quit even when they are already experiencing its adverse health effects. They will even have cravings for khat.
When an addicted person suddenly quits khat, they may experience serious withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal from khat abuse include cravings, fatigue, irritability, depression, nightmares, increased appetite, insomnia, and tremors. Some of these withdrawal symptoms are very similar to the ones caused by cocaine. Withdrawal may last up to 48 hours, but it usually only lasts for 24 hours.
Withdrawal from khat is not life-threatening, unless the person already has pre-existing medical issues. If this is the case, seek immediate help from medical professionals.
Chronic abuse of khat leads to behavioral changes and mental health effects. Some people experience paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, schizophrenia, and psychosis.
Khat also has potential long term effects that can be deadly. It increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, gastric disorders, anorexia, hypertension, and liver damage.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. Because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
Rehab is Your Best Chance
Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.
