Khat Numbs the Population

Khat is a flowering plant and amongst communities from the Horn of Africa Khat chewing has a long history as a social custom dating back thousands of years. Khat contains the alkaloid called cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant, which is said to cause excitement, loss of apptetite and euphoria. In 1980 WHO (World Health Organisation) classified Khat as a drug of abuse that can produce mile to moderate psychological dependence.  It is legal in some countries and illegal in others.

“The ancient Egyptians considered the khat plant a “divine food”, which was capable of releaseing humanity’s divinity. The Egyptians used the plant for more than it’s stimulating effects; they used it for transcending into “apotheosis”, with the intent to making the user god-like”

The use is widely spread in Yemen, Somalia and Ethiopia. The effect of oral administration if cathinone occure more rapidly than the effects of amphetamine pills. “The use of khat results in constipation. Dilated pupils are prominent during khat consumption, reflecting the sympathomimetic effects of the drug, which are also reflected in increased heart rate and blood pressure. 

“Withdrawal symptoms that may follow occasional use include mild depression and irritability. Withdrawal symptoms that may follow prolonged khat use include lethargy, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor. Khat is an effective anorectic (causes loss of appetite). Long-term use can precipitate the following effects: negative impact on liver function, permanent tooth  darkening (of a greenish tinge), susceptibility to ulcers,  and diminished sex drive.”

“Khat is illegal in the United States and the World Health Organization classifies it as a drug that can cause mild psychological dependence. But 80 per cent of men and 45 percent of women in Yemen are regular khat leaf chewer”

“Khat chewers experience euphoria followed by depression, while people who are genetically predisposed are extremely vulnerable to psychosis….Khat can also affect sleep, leading to rebound effects such as late awakening, decreased productivity and day-time sleepiness…..The effect of khat on the cardiovascular system is rather less dramatic, but increased heart rate and blood pressure are common side-effects, making khat very harmful for hypertensive patients.” (WHO)

” While some east Africans in Melbourne have reported concerns that khat consumption leads to health and social problems, data from our study suggest that the most significant negative effect of khat use was that it takes individuals, usually men, away from their families. Non-users, 77% of whom were female, spoke extensively of male chewers spending long periods away from the home to chew khat with their friends. Indeed, women (mostly wives and daughters of khat users) were the main groups of people critical of khat use.” (WHO)

“In Victoria, individuals with a licence and permit can import up to five kilograms of khat per month for personal use. Within east African migrant communities in Melbourne there is a community divide on the issue of khat use and its effects on khat users and their communities. Concerns have been raised by some east African community members that khat use has increased substantially and that it is leading to family breakdowns, economic hardship and health problems.” (WHO)