Khat

• Khat is a leafy green shrub that can grow to tree size.
• The leaves of the khat plant are chewed for their amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Although khat is most commonly chewed, it is sometimes taken as a tea or smoked.
• Khat grows at high altitudes in the region extending from eastern to southern Africa, as well as on the Arabian peninsula.
• The chewing of khat leaves is common in some countries of east Africa and the Arabian peninsula. It has a deep-rooted social and cultural tradition in some Muslim, Somali and Yemeni cultures.
• Khat is not considered to be a 'street drug', but in the United States illegal laboratories have been discovered using a synthetic form of khat's most active ingredient, cathinone, which is called 'methcathinone' and known on the street as 'Cat'.

Street names

Khat (cat), qat (Yemen), chat, qaadka, miraa (Kenya), tohai, tschat (Ethiopia), Abyssinian tea, African tea, African salad.

Effects

Khat is a stimulant. A typical chewing session is thought to be the equivalent of ingesting 5 milligrams of amphetamine sulphate. Usually 50–200 grams of the leaves are chewed. The onset of effect is within 20 minutes.

Khat causes feelings of mild euphoria, talkativeness, suppression of appetite, and calming effects after a few hours. Other effects reported include increased alertness and excitement.

Unpleasant effects include:

• impaired concentration and judgement
• mood swings
• confusion
• disorientation
• increase in nervousness and tension.

 Unwanted physical and health effects associated with regular khat chewing include:

• sleeplessness
• nervousness
• impotence
• nightmares
• irritability, feelings of anger and violent outbursts
• gastro-intestinal tract problems such as constipation and anorexia
• inflammation of the mouth and other parts of the oral cavity
• oral cancer.

Is it addictive?

It is unclear whether khat chewing can lead to dependence (addiction), but heavy khat chewers have been shown to experience withdrawal symptoms such as extreme tiredness and lack of energy, difficulty performing normal daily activities and slight trembling several days after having stopped chewing khat. Prolonged and excessive use can lead to psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and irritation, sometimes leading to psychosis.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Khat is known to reduce the birth weight in babies and inhibit lactation in khat-chewing mothers. Pregnant women should avoid chewing khat, as this can lead to serious health risks to the baby.

Khat and the law

Khat is not illegal in Australia, but its import is very strictly controlled. It is legal to import khat for personal use only. A person must obtain a Licence to Import khat. They must also obtain a Permit to Import for each shipment. A licence and permit holder may import up to 5 kilograms of khat per month for personal use, provided their State/ Territory Health Authority does not object to them being granted such a licence.

Harm minimisation

The following guidelines may be of assistance:

• The safest way to avoid problems with khat chewing is to avoid use.
• If you are a regular user, try to reduce the quantity of your chewing, with reasonable intervals between sessions.
• Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks such as cola and coffee. Drink water instead.
• Avoid using alcohol or other drugs during or after your khat session. Mixing drugs can be dangerous.
• If you smoke, limit the number of cigarettes you smoke while chewing khat. Avoid crowded sessions and keep windows open to allow in fresh air.
• Have a balanced diet, and ensure you eat before and after your session.
• Try to avoid chewing khat late at night, and never take sleeping pills unless prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid holding the khat in your cheek for a long time, as this can increase your risk of getting an oral infection.

Where to get help

If a person is concerned about their khat use, they need to be encouraged to get help from their local Aboriginal Health Service, their doctor or from a drug and alcohol service. Family and friends who are concerned about someone they care about can also get information and support from these places:

• Direct Line. Phone; 1800 888 236
• Family Drug Help; Phone: 1300 660 068
• Youth Substance Abuse Service (YSAS); Phone: 1800 014 446; Website: www.ysas.org.au
  Drug and alcohol services for people aged between 12 and 21 who are experiencing significant problems related to their drug use.
• Alcoholism and Drug Treatment Centre Moreland Hall; Phone: 9386 2876.

This fact sheet has been adapted from more detailed information provided by the DrugInfo Clearinghouse.