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Khat use: lifestyle or addiction?
Rita Annoni Manghi1, Barbara Broers, Riaz Khan
1Division of Substance Abuse, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|May 22, 2009
Summary
Khat use, a psychostimulant drug, remains prevalent in specific regions and among emigrant groups. While its addictive potential and health consequences are known, research on problematic use and dependence is limited.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Khat (Catha edulis) contains psychoactive alkaloids with psychostimulant properties.
- Traditionally used recreationally and religiously in African and Middle Eastern countries.
- Changing migration patterns necessitate updated understanding of khat use impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on pharmacological, epidemiological, and clinical aspects of khat use.
- To assess the prevalence and consequences of khat use, particularly in emigrant populations.
- To identify gaps in research regarding problematic khat use and dependence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical data.
- Analysis of epidemiological studies on khat use prevalence.
- Examination of reported psychological, psychiatric, and medical consequences.
Main Results:
- Khat use remains highly prevalent in its traditional regions and among emigrant groups.
- Preclinical and clinical data confirm khat's addictive potential and associated health risks.
- Limited epidemiological data exists on the prevalence of problematic use and dependence.
Conclusions:
- Khat dependence is linked to significant morbidity and socioeconomic costs.
- Further research is needed on psychotogenic risks outside traditional contexts.
- Khat use spans a spectrum from nonproblematic to dependent, similar to alcohol in some societies.
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