Commonly Abused Drugs Chart - National Institute On Drug Abuse - 2018 Page 11
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30Khat
Pronounced "cot," a shrub (Catha edulis) found in East Africa and southern Arabia; contains the psychoactive
chemicals cathinone and cathine. People from African and Arabian regions (up to an estimated 20 million worldwide)
have used khat for centuries as part of cultural tradition and for its stimulant-like effects.
Street Names
Commercial Names
Common Forms
Common Ways
DEA
Taken
Schedule
Abyssinian Tea, African
No commercial uses
Fresh or dried leaves
Chewed, brewed
Cathinone is
Salad, Catha, Chat, Kat,
as tea
a Schedule I
Oat
drug, making
khat use
illegal, but
the khat
plant is not
controlled
Possible Health Effects
Short-term
Euphoria, increased alertness and arousal, increased blood pressure and heart rate,
depression, paranoia, headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, fine tremors, loss of short-term
memory.
Long-term
Gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, ulcers, and stomach inflammation; and
increased risk of heart attack.
Other Health-related
In rare cases associated with heavy use: psychotic reactions such as fear, anxiety, grandiose
Issues
delusions (fantastical beliefs that one has superior qualities such as fame, power, and
wealth), hallucinations, and paranoia.
In Combination with
Unknown.
Alcohol
Withdrawal
Depression, nightmares, low blood pressure, and lack of energy.
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Medications
It is not known whether khat is addictive. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat
addiction to khat.
Behavioral Therapies
More research is needed to find out if khat is addictive and, if so, whether behavioral
therapies are effective.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Page 11 of 30
Commonly Abused Drugs
January 2018
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Parent category: Medical