Khat

Khat is a plant native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, chewed for its stimulant effects. The active compounds, cathinone and cathine, produce euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. Khat is often used in social or cultural contexts, but prolonged use can lead to dependency and health risks. Its effects are similar to amphetamines, though milder, and chronic use can cause significant mental and physical health problems.

Addiction to khat often manifests through frequent use to achieve euphoria or increased energy. Signs include emotional reliance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms like fatigue or irritability when the drug is unavailable. Individuals may neglect responsibilities, experience weight loss due to appetite suppression, or spend excessive time and resources obtaining khat.

Khat addiction treatment at Tranquility Woods includes personalized addiction therapy sessions conducted multiple times weekly to address emotional reliance on the drug. Mental health therapy targets co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression, while group therapy offers peer accountability and support. Weekly acupuncture sessions and massages aid in physical recovery, particularly from khat’s appetite-suppressing effects. Holistic approaches, including yoga and mindfulness, help clients rebuild healthy habits and manage stress during recovery.

– Anxiety Disorders: Chronic use can heighten anxiety, especially when access to khat is limited. – Depression: Mood swings and emotional instability are common with long-term use. – Insomnia: Persistent use disrupts sleep patterns, leading to chronic fatigue.

Khat use carries risks like gastrointestinal problems, oral health issues (e.g., gum disease or tooth loss), and cardiovascular strain, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Chronic use can impair focus and memory, worsen anxiety, and lead to social or financial problems due to excessive time and resources spent on obtaining the drug. Withdrawal symptoms, including depression and lethargy, make quitting challenging without support.