Proper Addiction Treatment for Khat Addiction

With its origins in East Africa and Southern Arabia, khat is a commonly abused drug containing the psychoactive chemicals cathinone and cathine. This drug is also known as Abyssinian tea, African salad, chat or oat. In its natural state it looks like a flowering, green shrub. The parts that are most commonly abused are the twigs and shoots of the shrub.

The Harmful Effects Of Khat

This drug is most typically chewed like tobacco. It can be retained in the cheek and chewed intermittently to release the active ingredients and produce a stimulating effect. Dried leaves are occasionally made into tea or a paste. It can be smoked or sprinkled on food as well.

This drug can induce manic behavior and grandiose delusions. It’s often associated with paranoia, nightmares, hyperactivity, or hallucinations. Chronic abuse often results in violence or suicidal depression. This is the plant used to make the drug known as “bath salts.”

This drug will cause a rapid increase in blood pressure, as well as heart rate. It can stain the teeth, lead to insomnia, and may also cause gastric disorders. Chronic abuse very often leads to physical exhaustion. Drugs that cause similar effects include both cocaine as well as other methamphetamine substances.

Effects Of Prolonged Use Of Khat And The Importance Of Proper Addiction Treatment

While there is no observed amount of khat leaves that addicts can chew to lead to an overdose, many addicts who chew the leaves long-term display numerous negative symptoms. These include delusions, difficulty with breathing, and loss of appetite. Frequently chewing this drug often leads to cardiac complications as well. The effect that this substance can have on your internal organs makes proper addiction treatment important for those addicted to Khat. Addiction treatment for Khat may include either inpatient or outpatient treatment. Addicts are often prescribed a steady regimen of healthy habit building exercises, coupled with therapy. For many people struggling with khat addiction, garnering acceptance from those around them can be a strong motivator to actively prevent relapse. Encouraging those suffering from addiction to speak up and get help can be one of the best things to do when working toward building a stronger community. By removing the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery, we can help make freedom from addiction a reality for even more people. For anyone suffering from khat addiction seeking addiction treatment, speaking up is an important first step. Call Freedom From Addiction for more information on khat addiction. We can help you.