The Khat (Drugs Misuses) Project
Khat (Catha edulis) is a herbal substance containing may different compounds. Its main effects are due to two compounds with stimulant properties similar to, but less powerful than, amphetamines. Stimulants speed up your mind and body. It comes from a leafy green plant of the same name. Used mostly in Africa, Khat is becoming more common in Europe - particularly in some immigrant communities.
Slang: Street names for drugs can vary around the country. Khat, quat, qat, qaadka, chat.
Where does it come from? History
References to khat use can be found in Arab journals from the 13th century. Physicians prescribed khat to treat depression and lack of energy. The stimulant effects also mean it has been commonly used by peasants who work long hours.
Khat has been used in parts of East Africa and the Arabian peninsular for centuries, and it is used in some Somali, Yemeni and Ethiopian communities in Britain. Cathinone powder is also occasionally seen on the illicit drug market in this country, but the source of manufacture is, as yet, unclear.
The effects of Khat Misuses
• Khat is a stimulant and chewing it can make people more alert and talkative and can produce feelings of elation.
• It can also suppress the appetite.
• Although it's a stimulant, many users report a feeling of calm if it's chewed over a few hours. Some describe it as being 'blissed out'.
Chances of getting hooked
Khat can make a user psychologically dependent (with a desire to keep using in spite of potential harm). When they stop using they may feel lethargic or mildly depressed.
The law
The Khat plant itself is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but the active ingredients, cathinone and cathine, are Class C drugs. Cathininone may not be lawfully possessed or supplied except under a licence for research, though cathine may be prescribed. It is controlled by law in countries such as America, Canada, Norway and Sweden.some Muslim countries where alcohol is banned, khat is commonly used in social situations, although khat is often condemend on religious and cultural grounds.
Khat is not an illegal drug in the UK. It can be used or traded without penalty. Khat is an illegal substance in many other countries like the US. Taking khat into the US could attract a heavy prison sentence.
Appearance and use
Khat is a leaf which is chewed over a number of hours.
Cost
Prices can vary from region to region. The prices given here are an average of street prices reported from 20 different parts of England. A 'hit' which is a small bunch of leaves costs around £4.
Purity
Because Khat comes in recognisable leaf form, it can't be cut with anything.
Effects/risks of Khat Misuses
Khat is a stimulant drug with effects similar to amphetamine.Chewing it makes people feel more alert and talkative and suppresses the appetite, though users describe an ensuing calming effect when used over a few hours. Regular use may lead to insomnia (inability to sleep), anorexia and anxiety. In some cases it may make people feel more irritable and angry and possibly violent. Psychological dependence can result from regular use so that users feel depressed and low unless they keep taking it.
There has been concern about the use of khat and its effect on some of its regular users in the Somali community. While khat may be causing some problems for refugees from the war in Somalia its use needs to be viewed alongside the poverty and racism experienced by many of these people.
• If you use it a lot, you may develop insomnia, high blood pressure and heart problems and sexual problems like impotence. There’s also a longer-term risk of development of mouth cancers.
• It can give you feelings of anxiety and aggression.
• It can make pre-existing mental health problems worse and can cause paranoid and psychotic reactions (which may be associated with irritability, anxiety and losing touch with reality).
PrideStart Group Helping services
Our community group anti- khat may be appropriate for advice, support and / or counselling but few have experience of dealing with khat chewing. We the only UK Somali organisations providing advice on local sources of expertise on what’re are currently offering a range of services including information and advice, counselling, and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. If use of this substance becomes a problem you can seek help, advice and counselling from a service in your area. GPs can make referrals to specialist drug services.
Parents & other relatives
Many drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents, family members and partners of people using drugs. They may provide relative support groups or advice, guidance and counselling on a one to one basis.
If you would like to talk about khat problems then please call the PrideStart Group 24/7 Helpline on: 01217726191 MOBILE 07534007054
