It's as though there are new drugs of abuse available as the years go by. This is one we may be hearing more about in the months to come, and yes. We are right to be concerned.
Some common street names for Khat include: Chat, Cat (or Kat), Oat, Cathine, Qat, Abyssinian Tea, Kat, African Salad, and Tohai. No matter what you call it, it's a dangerous drug that's perceived by many to be safe. If you're currently abusing it, you need as much information as you can find. If you've become addicted to it, you need to know how to stop using it.
According to WebMD, Khat is a plant that can be used both medicinally and recreationally.
Recreationally, people in East Africa and other countries use it to improve their moods. It has a euphoric effect, and people will commonly chew the leaves and stem. Research has shown that it contains stimulants that are close to amphetamines.
In 1980, Cathine was declared to be a drug of abuse by the World Health Organization. It is a drug that has increased in popularity all over the world. However, it is illegal in many countries. In 1993, the DEA categorized it as a Schedule I substance. Because of its stimulant effects, Khat was effectively banned in the United States. Even so, that has not stopped people from sending shipments of it overseas to the U.S.
Getting high on Qat makes people feel happy, talkative and alert. It works as an appetite suppressant, which is a benefit for many people. However, those who have used other stimulants before might be disappointed in this one. Some people report its effects as being rather mild, and less euphoric than they had hoped.
People typically use drugs for their advantages, and this one is no different. Someone who wants to lose weight might find this one beneficial. Also, it may be attractive to college students who often will use stimulants to stay up late and study. People who tend to be more introverted may find that Khat helps them be more social.
This drug has many disadvantages. It can make it very difficult for users to get to sleep. It can also lead to a mental addiction if it is abused long enough. If a user suffers from a mental health issue, this drug can make that problem much worse.
When it comes to drugs like this one, people tend to think they're safe because they're plants. This could not be further from the truth. Khat is a toxic drug, and when it has been used long enough, its side effects can lead to serious problems.
In the short-term, Khat can cause:
When this drug is used long-term, its effects become more dangerous. Long-term Khat users may find that they experience:
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First and foremost, it's important to understand the difference between abuse and addiction. Tohai abuse is quite common, while Khat addiction is less common. Even one use of the Kat drug is considered to be abuse. This is because it's illegal. Continually abusing Khat is likely to lead to an addiction.
Researchers have shown that it's not possible to form a physical addiction to this drug. However, it is possible to become psychologically addicted to Khat. This is what happens when it is abused over and over again.
Maybe you've been using Cat because you believed it was a safe drug for you to use. You may have gotten addicted to it without realizing it. However, you're not sure, and you need to know what the symptoms of cat addiction are.
Taking a quiz can also help you identify if you have an addiction to this drug. This addiction quiz is an excellent way for you to assess yourself. Once you answer all the questions, you'll be directed to your results right away.
Even if you have been using Cathine for quite some time, there is probably a lot you don't know.
It's common for people to assume that they can quit using Kat on their own. The presumed safety and non-addictive nature of this drug leads to that assumption. However, that doesn't mean that quitting Kat is going to be easy. Most likely, it's going to be difficult, and it carries a lot of risks.
Cold turkey quitting is typical, and it's no different for Kat users. No matter what the drug is, this quitting method is never recommended. It can lead to potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and relapses are very common. Fortunately, a relapse can be prevented when obtaining professional treatment instead.
The dangerous nature of quitting Khat abruptly lies in the severity of withdrawal and the risk of overdosing. If you're thinking about quitting this drug on your own, you need to be aware of what to expect.
People often assume that because this plant is not physically addictive, there's no need to be concerned about withdrawal. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Khat withdrawal is very real, and it produces both physical and psychological symptoms. These include:
It is also possible to experience hallucinations when coming off of this drug. As you can see, it's not as safe as it's made out to be. Stopping it should only be done under the care of qualified professionals.
When people attempt to quit using this drug, they are likely to relapse. It is at that point when an overdose is most likely. Overdoses usually happen because the body quickly adjusts its tolerance levels after a drug is stopped. The user doesn't realize this has occurred.
When a relapse takes place, the usual dosage of the Khat drug is taken. The body is not able to handle such a high dose. At that point, an overdose, or Khat poisoning has occurred.
The symptoms of an overdose can be quite severe. If an overdose occurs, getting immediate medical help is vital. You could experience:
Medical personnel may be able to reverse an overdose if one occurs. At the very least, she should be able to administer medications and other treatments to help with symptoms.
There are several different ways that you can detox from Cat. You can choose to try an at-home detox, or to go through a professional detox center instead.
An at-home detox has its risks, but if you're careful, it may be successful for you. You should take care to get all of the supplies you will need prior to starting the detox. It may help you to take the following steps:
This can be done in a few different ways. You may go through a medical detox, or a holistic detox. Medical detox will allow you to take medications during the withdrawal period. Holistic detox relies more on natural methods to remove toxins from your body.
No matter which type of drug detox you choose, this should be the first step you take. Those who opt for detoxification have been shown to be more successful in the long-term than those who don't.
If you have been using this drug for any period of time, you may be addicted to it. You may have heard that addiction wasn't possible, but that's just not true. Psychological addictions can be extremely powerful. You need to know the seriousness of this situation.
Here at Ashwood Recovery, we understand what you're going through. We know how hard it is to come to terms with the fact that you have an addiction. We're also fully equipped to get you the type of treatment you need. There's no reason for you to put off getting the help you require to stop using this drug.
Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.
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