Khat: Key Risks & Side Effects

Khat. It’s a substance that often causes quite a bit of confusion.

It’s a controversial plant – some believe it’s harmless, whilst others claim it’s a dangerous drug. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about khat use and its effects, whether it’s dangerous, how it’s consumed and more.

What is Khat?

Khat is a leafy green shrub. Its scientific name is Catha edulis.

Khat leaves thrive in the temperate climates of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where they have been grown and used for centuries. In these regions, this substance actually holds significant socio-cultural importance, with it being commonly used in social gatherings and even religious ceremonies.

The leaves of the plant, however, contain psychoactive substances – primarily the alkaloid cathinone and cathine (central nervous system stimulants).

These compounds are responsible for increasing alertness and improving mood and euphoria.

How is Khat Made?

Khat leaves aren’t man-made; they are natural substances.

The process begins with the planting of khat cuttings or seeds in fertile, well-drained soil. The plant typically prefers high altitudes and thrives in environments that offer plenty of sunlight and moderate rainfall.

The process isn’t exactly quick – as it’s typically ready for harvest within three to five years after planting. The leaves are most potent when young and tender. After harvesting, the leaves are typically bundled and wrapped in banana leaves to preserve their freshness and potency, as the active chemicals can degrade quickly once the leaves are picked.

How is Khat Consumed?

Chewing khat is the most common way it’s consumed.

Individuals typically gather the leaves of the khat plant, which contain the highest concentration of stimulant chemicals. The leaves are chewed slowly to extract the juices that contain the active compounds.

As individuals chew khat leaves, they retain the chewed part (known as cud) in their cheeks, where the active substances are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth into the bloodstream.

This method of khat consumption is direct and has immediate effects. Alternatively, in some communities where fresh khat is not available, dried leaves may be used to make tea or a paste. However, these methods are less effective at delivering the stimulant effects.

Is Khat Like Weed?

Sort of, but not really. Although both khat and cannabis are plants that can alter mood and perception, they are quite different when it comes to their overall chemical composition and effects.

Cannabis contains THC, which has psychoactive properties that can induce relaxation and euphoria, often accompanied by altered sensory perceptions and, in some cases, anxiety. Khat, on the other hand, contains cathinone and cathine, which makes it belong to the category known as stimulant drugs.

Stimulant drugs are known to boost alertness, energy, and sociability rather than inducing the sedative-like effects associated with weed.

What Are the Effects of Khat?

The effects of use can vary depending on individual factors like body weight and tolerance, as well as the amount consumed.

Initial Effects of Khat Consumption:

• Energy boost
• Euphoria
• Feeling alert
• Sociable.

This occurs because of cathinone, a stimulant in khat that is similar to amphetamine, which increases dopamine levels in the brain.

As the stimulation continues, users might also notice:

• Improved concentration.
• Increased ability to perform repetitive tasks.
• Insomnia and loss of appetite.

After a few hours have gone by and the effects start to wear off, users may experience:

• Irritability
• Depression
• Fatigue

These effects are known as a “khat hangover”.

The Long-Term Effects of Khat Use

If someone were to engage in chronic use over the long term, it could lead to various adverse health effects.

Long-term Psychological Effects

• Anxiety and Irritability: Frequent users may experience increased levels of anxiety and irritability. The stimulant properties of cathinone, a key psychoactive compound in khat, can change our mood and increase stress responses – potentially leading to anxiety disorders over time.
• Aggression and Hyperactivity: Long-term users might feel aggression and hyperactivity. These behavioural changes are likely due to the amphetamine-like effects of cathinone, which can enhance impulsivity and aggression.
• Depression: After the stimulant effects of use wear off, users often feel depleted and depressed. Chronic use can lead to a cycle of ups and downs, contributing to long-term mood disorders.
• Khat-induced Psychosis: In high quantities or over extended periods, use of this substance can lead to khat psychosis. These symptoms might include hallucinations and delusions, paranoia, and aggressive behaviour. The risk of developing psychosis increases with higher doses and more frequent use.

From a psychological perspective, there’s also evidence suggesting that using frequently and over an extended period could impair our cognitive functions. This would impact things like our memory, attention span, and decision-making.

Long-term Dental Health Issues

• Gum Disease: Chewing khat leaves for extended periods can cause physical damage to our gums and teeth. The leaves themselves are tough, requiring significant chewing effort, which may lead to gum recession and an increased risk of dental diseases.
• Tooth Decay: The leaves also contain sugars that can contribute to tooth decay.

Long-term Cardiovascular Issues

• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Long-term use is associated with increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure – which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
• Cardiomyopathy: Chronic use may lead to cardiomyopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. It can lead to heart failure.

Is Khat Addictive?

It’s possible to develop an addiction, yes. However, it does not typically produce the physical dependency associated with harder stimulants, making it more of a psychological dependence.

Habitual khat chewing can lead to developing a strong desire to continue using khat to recreate the positive effects of heightened alertness and well-being or to avoid the negative feelings associated with withdrawal, such as lethargy and irritability.

Similar to all stimulant drugs, the risk of addiction tends to increase with the frequency and quantity of khat use.

Long-term users might find themselves using more often to achieve the same effects, a pattern known as tolerance. Social factors also play a significant role; if it’s seen as ‘the norm,’ it can reinforce habitual use, making quitting very challenging. Typically, if someone suffers from drug addiction – they’ll need professional intervention to overcome it.

Is Khat Illegal?

Yes. In fact, it’s illegal in many European countries, including here in the UK, where it was banned in 2014 after being previously legal.

It’s classified as a Class C drug in the UK. This means that possession can lead to up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying or producing khat can lead to up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

Posted on Friday, April 19th, 2024 at 10:35 am in Addiction.