Khat chewing as a recreational habit

An essay for the European Board Examination in Vienna 2022 by Ali Ibrahim, exam number 113

Introduction
The Khat plant leaves are known as Catha Edulis and have many pronunciations among countries
where they grow, like Khat, Kat, and Qat. People chew these leaves in Yemen and East Africa for
stimulant euphoria-causing properties. Khat contains Cathinone which is an amphetamine-like material.
It causes increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure[1–3]. Khat also causes increased lipid levels,
mostly LDL[4]. Also, it causes mental disorders. Although there are many cases of psychosis in young
patients who chews Khat, it is still being chewed[5–7]. Indeed, there is a link between Khat chewing and
the occurrence of MI, CVA, and death[6,8–10].

Discussion
Khat chewing is one of the most popular habits in Yemen and many African countries. People often
chew the Khat leaves and store them in the mouth between the cheek and gum without swallowing
them, with continuing chewing new leaves on the old ones making the cheek bigger and bigger.
This habit makes the person interested only in chewing Khat and thinking of supplying it the next day.
Many people chew Khat as a resort with sitting for a long time. Some of them use it as an activating drug
as it may make the person alert and active even though the concentration becomes disturbed. Others
use Khat as it makes them sedated. So, it leaves them daydreaming of building brilliant projects that
Khat removing destroys them in the end.
As I see, many patients present to the emergency department with hemorrhagic CVA and elevated
blood pressure. And, when we have detailed history, we find that they were chewing Khat. Less
commonly, they present with ischemic CVA, confusion, hypoglycemia, psychosis, and mental status
disturbance.
The biggest problem is that the Khat is legitimated and accepted by most people in Yemen.
Even though it causes psychological dependence, people don’t confess to that as many prudent elderly
welcome it. On the other hand, people implant Khat in large areas of agricultural grounds. It is an
important economic resource. Also, people who chew Khat have a money fund from countries abroad,
which is known as Khat cost as a reward.
In my opinion, we need to address this bad habit as it causes wasting of money, health, and time.
People should see their future real projects and wishes and try to make them real to support their
communities.
One of the solutions is broadcasting validated information about Khat and emphasizing its
deleterious effects. Another solution is prohibiting Khat from implanting and substituting it with any
other beneficial implant like wheal, as it is being imported at a high price.
In conclusion, this commonly seen problem in Yemen needs a solution as it is causing many adverse
effects on health, money, and daily living.

References

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diastolic blood pressure among adults in Butajira, Ethiopia: a comparative study. BMC Public
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