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The Chewing of Khat: Saudi Arabia Addicted Drug

LaVelle Hendricks and Omaymah Radwa

Khat (or Catha edulis) is an evergreen tree of the Celastracea family. It was originated from Ethiopia, but was later distributed to different countries. This plant is a natural stimulant which contains two main substances: Cathine and Cathinone that caused excitement, euphoria, and loss of appetite. Although khat has some benefits, it harms the body and caused many other severe effects such as addiction and illness. It also affects the social and economic growth negatively. Some studies are proved that Khat chewers may become psychologically addicted to khat. Hence, the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1980, categorized the Khat plant as a drug of abuse that can create mild to moderate psychological dependence. Based on WHO is classification, many countries have controlled the use of Khat by making its use illegal. Although Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that forbid Khat use, the majority of the population, southern region, is accepting and using it easily. However, this research clarifies the prevalence of Khat use among students in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia, and concludes the different factors which contribute to chewing Khat among students.