Khat Addiction

Abstract

Khat refers to the young and tender leaves and shoots of the khat tree (Catha edulis). It is an evergreen tree that can be found in the Abyssinian highlands, the Horn of Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa, the Arab peninsula, and Afghanistan. The alkaloid cathinone (S-(-)-a-aminopropiophenone) is considered to be the main psychoactive compound. The leaves and tender stems are usually chewed and kept in a tight wad in the cheek pocket. Within about 15–30 min, the user experiences physiological excitability, euphoria, talkativeness, and flow of ideas. Today, cathinone is listed in Schedule I and cathine in Schedule III of the international Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, but the khat leaves are not internationally controlled. A problem with diagnosis of khat addiction is that established dependence criteria are not easily applicable as is the case for other traditional substances. More research information is needed about the prevalence of a khat dependence, its consequences, and its treatment.