Khat

Last published: June 06, 2024

What is khat?

Khat is a stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages between the brain and the body. Chewing khat is part of some social traditions in parts of the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and in Eastern Africa, such as Somalia.^{1, 2}

The buds and leaves of the khat plant (Catha edulis) are chewed for stimulant and euphoric effects, and traditionally have been used for medicinal purposes as well as recreationally.¹ Khat contains cathinone and cathine, which are the chemicals that produce the stimulant effects.²

What does it look like?

The leaves and buds of the khat plant, either fresh or dried. They have a mild aroma and an astringent, faintly sweet taste.^{1, 3}

Other names

Qat, kat, chat, qaad.

Other types of stimulants

How is it used?

Khat leaves and buds can be chewed fresh, but may also be preserved by wrapping freshly picked khat in banana leaves, and then used dried.¹

Effects of khat

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Khat affects everyone differently, based on:

size, weight and health
whether the person is used to taking it
whether other drugs are taken around the same time
the amount taken.

Short term effects may include:

increased talkativeness
feeling energetic and social
alertness and improved concentration
faster heartbeat and breathing
slightly higher temperature and blood pressure
reduced appetite.^1-3

The effects of khat start approximately 1 hour after chewing and last for around 3 and a half hours.⁴

Coming down

The comedown effects of khat can last around 24 hours and include:

restlessness
Irritability
low mood⁵

Khat and mental health

Using khat is associated with mental health conditions such as psychosis which is similar to amphetamine psychosis. It has also been associated with depression, mood swings and violent behaviour.⁶

Tolerance and dependence

People who regularly use khat can become psychologically dependent on the drug. They may feel they need khat to go about their normal activities like working, studying and socialising, or just to get through the day.⁷

Long-term effects

Regular use of khat may eventually cause:

worsening of existing mental health problems
sleep-related issues
liver disease
fertility problems, such as impotence and lower sperm count
digestive problems such as constipation
sore, inflamed mouth
psychological dependence
mouth cancer.^1-3

Withdrawal

Khat appears to pose a relatively low risk for dependence, but withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if someone stops using khat after they have been using it regularly.

Symptoms may include:

mild depression
lower blood pressure
tiredness.^{1, 2}

Mixing khat with other drugs

The effects of taking khat with other drugs − including over-the-counter or prescribed medications − can be unpredictable and dangerous.

According to anecdotal user reports:

Khat + tobacco = increases the risk of harms caused by smoking
Khat + alcohol = can cause liver injury
Khat + stimulants like cocaine and amphetamine = increases the risk of over-heating and heart attack.⁸

Use of more than one drug or type of drug consumed at the same time is called polydrug use.⁹

More on Polydrug use

Polydrug use is a term for the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another. Polydrug use can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications.

avoid chewing one bunch after another
have a break between sessions
try to eat regular, nutritious foods
try to get a good night’s sleep
wash the khat before use to remove any pesticides.⁸

Getting help

If your use of Khat is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

Help and Support Services search

Find a service in your local area from our list. Simply add your location or postcode and filter by service type to quickly discover help near you.

If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au