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Khat
What is it?
Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub that is used for its stimulant-like effect. Khat has two active ingredients, cathine and cathinone.
Street Names
Abyssinian Tea, African Salad, Catha, Chat, Kat, Oat
How is it used?
• Chewed
• Dried Khat is used as a tea or chewable paste
• Smoked, sprinkled on food
How does it affect the body?
- Manic behavior with grandiose delusions
- Chronic use can cause depression and suicide
- Hallucinations, paranoia, nightmares, and hyperactivity
- Delusions, loss of appetite, difficulty with breathing, and increases in both blood pressure and heart rate
- Cardiac complications
- Brown staining of teeth, insomnia, gastric disorders
