Drug Info
Khat
What is it?
Stimulant drug made from the leaves and twigs of the evergreen shrub. Active ingredients are cathine and cathinone.
Street Names
Abyssinian Tea, African Salad, Catha, Chat, Kat, Miraa, Oat, Qat, Quaadka
How it is Taken
- Chewed
- Dried khat is used as a tea or chewable paste
- Smoked, sprinkled on food
Paraphernalia
How does it affect the body?
- Manic behavior with grandiose delusions
- Chronic use can cause depression and suicide
- Hallucinations, paranoia, nightmares
- Euphoria, increased alertness and energy, hyperactivity
- Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- Cardiac complications
- Insomnia, gastric disorders
FACT SHEET: Read more about khat (pdf)
Resources for Getting Help
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