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Khat

Also known as: Quat, Qat, Qaadka, Chat.

What it looks like and how it's taken: Khat is a leaf which is chewed over a number of hours.

Immediate effects: Acts as a stimulant and can increase feelings of alertness and make users feel more talkative. It also acts as an appetite suppressant.

Risks:

  • Short term: It can increase feelings of anxiety and aggression. Some users find it makes them very irritable, in some cases extremely angry and even violent. Anyone suffering from pre-existing mental health problems should avoid using Khat.
  • Long term: Frequent users may develop insomnia, heart problems and sexual problems like impotence.

Legal status: Although not illegal in the United Kingdom, Khat is illegal in many other countries including the United States. Khat contains the substances Cathine and Cathinone, which become Class C drugs when prepared for use.

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