What Is the Khat Drug Made of and What Does It Do to Your Body?
Understand what the Cat or Khat drug is, how it affects the central nervous system, the physical and psychological warning signs of use, and how professional addiction treatment can support lasting recovery.
Cat and Khat-related stimulant use can quickly affect a person's physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships and ability to manage everyday responsibilities. When repeated use develops into dependency, professional treatment can help the individual understand the causes of their substance use, manage withdrawal and cravings, and develop practical skills for long-term recovery.
Crossroads Recovery Centre provides structured and compassionate drug rehabilitation through its treatment facilities in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Depending on the individual's circumstances, treatment may include residential rehabilitation, outpatient support, counselling, behavioural therapy and an ongoing recovery programme.
If Cat use is affecting you or someone close to you, speaking confidentially with an admissions professional can help you understand the available treatment options and determine the most appropriate next step.
Methcathinone or “Cat” as it is more commonly known in South Africa, is a stimulant that is a made from Methamphetamine and Cathinone. The Khat drug comes in two forms, namely Cathinone which originally comes from a leafy green plant called Catha Edulis. The leaves of the Catha Edulis either chewed or used in teas which have the active ingredient of Cathinone in it.
What Is the Cat (Khat) Drug?
The artificial form of the cat drug is more potent however, and is known as Methcathinone. When made it is usually consists of readily available cleaning products found in one’s home, and is noticeable by its white/off-white powder form. Both chemicals Cathinone and Methcathinone are harmful and speed up the functioning of the Central Nervous System. Although methcathinone is more potent of cat but have similar symptoms and effects.
Cathinone
Cathinone originally comes from the leafy green Catha Edulis plant. The leaves may be chewed or used in teas, releasing the active ingredient Cathinone.
Methcathinone
Methcathinone is the artificial and more potent form commonly known as Cat in South Africa. It is usually recognised by its white or off-white powder form.
How Is the Cat Drug Used?
The cat drug is most commonly snorted up the nasal passages, although it can be taken orally by mixing it with a beverage or diluted in water. It is rare but can also be injected intravenously. Methcathinone produces an amphetamine-like effect and has similar effects to Cocaine or Methamphetamine.
Professional Support for Stimulant Addiction
Repeated stimulant use can develop into a serious pattern of dependency. Crossroads Recovery Centre's treatment programme helps individuals address substance use, emotional triggers, destructive behavioural patterns and the challenges that can contribute to relapse.
The Crash and Binge Pattern of Cat Use
Some of the Symptoms of the Khat drug is that it is used in a crash binge pattern. Usually people who are addicted to the cat drug use a lot at a time, go into withdrawal then use more to stop the withdrawal symptoms. This can last up to four to six hours at a time.
Take the First Step Towards Recovery from Cat Addiction
Cat addiction can affect physical health, emotional stability, relationships and daily life. Crossroads Recovery Centre provides confidential assessments and structured addiction treatment at its Johannesburg and Pretoria treatment centres.
Symptoms and Effects of Cat Drug Use
Other symptoms of cat include:
- Dilated (Enlarged) Pupils
- Dehydration and Sweating caused by an increase in body temperature
- Weight Loss
- Insomnia (Problems Sleeping)
- Rapid Heart Beat
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching often resulting in gum being chewed.
- Twitching
- Straws left in and around the persons environment burnt at one end
- Euphoria, feelings of extreme happiness
- Increased confidence, the user begins to talk more and feel good about themselves.
- Sharpened senses, becoming more alert
- Impaired Judgement and Concentration
- Increased Energy
- Rapid Speech
- Aggression
- Restlessness
- Mood Swings
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not really there)
- Psychosis: Feeling out of touch with reality; experiencing delusions, paranoia and hallucinating.
- Panic Attacks and Anxiety due to fear.
- Depression with the risk of suicide.
What Does Cat Do to the Body and Mind?
Physical Effects
Cat use may be associated with enlarged pupils, dehydration, sweating, an increased body temperature, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, teeth grinding, jaw clenching and twitching.
Sleep and Energy
The stimulant effect may cause insomnia, increased energy, restlessness, sharpened senses and rapid speech. Repeated use can contribute to an exhausting cycle of stimulation, crashing and further substance use.
Mood and Behaviour
A person may experience euphoria, increased confidence, mood swings, aggression, impaired judgement, poor concentration and anxiety.
Serious Psychological Effects
Hallucinations, paranoia, panic attacks, psychosis and depression can occur. These symptoms may cause the person to feel disconnected from reality and can place their safety and wellbeing at risk.
Is Methcathinone Addictive?
Methcathinone is a highly addictive drug, similar to crack cocaine. Like crack cocaine, the addiction is difficult to treat. Cat is psychologically highly addictive, individuals lose their ability to feel empathy or sympathy, and they lose self-worth and direction and often become distant and removed.
Recognising When Professional Help Is Needed
A person may need professional support when Cat use continues despite harm to their health, mental wellbeing, work, finances or relationships. Other warning signs may include repeated failed attempts to stop, increasing amounts of the drug, strong cravings, withdrawal symptoms and returning to use to escape the crash.
Can Cat Addiction Be Treated?
However, cat addiction can be treated through the correct methods and therapies, as with any addiction it is important to address it holistically and openly.
Effective drug rehabilitation should address more than the immediate use of the substance. A structured recovery process can help the individual understand their triggers, manage cravings, change destructive thought and behavioural patterns, and rebuild their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
Crossroads Recovery Centre provides an individualised treatment approach through the programme, which supports people as they work towards a healthier and more stable life. Treatment options can be discussed confidentially with the admissions team, including residential care and the outpatient programme.
Support for More Than One Form of Addiction
People affected by Cat addiction may also struggle with other substances, including alcohol. Crossroads Recovery Centre provides professional support through its drug rehabilitation services and alcoholism treatment programme. A confidential assessment can help identify the person's treatment needs and the most appropriate level of care.
Speak Confidentially with the Admissions Team
If Cat use is affecting you or someone you care about, you do not have to manage the situation alone. Early professional support can help prevent the physical, emotional and social consequences of addiction from becoming more severe.
Crossroads Recovery Centre Treatment Options
- Johannesburg Treatment Centre
- Pretoria Treatment Centre
- Outpatient Programme
- Drug Rehabilitation
- The Recovery Programme
You can also contact Crossroads Recovery Centre to discuss assessment, treatment and admission options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat and Khat Drug Addiction
Below are answers to common questions about Cat, Khat, methcathinone, stimulant-related symptoms and professional addiction treatment.
1. What is the Cat drug?
Cat is a common South African street name for methcathinone, a synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is commonly found as a white or off-white powder and may be snorted, swallowed in a beverage or, less commonly, injected.
2. Are Cat and Khat the same drug?
The terms are sometimes used together because both are associated with cathinone-type stimulants. Khat refers to the leaves and shoots of the Catha Edulis plant, which contain naturally occurring cathinone and cathine. Cat commonly refers to synthetic methcathinone in South Africa.
3. What does Cat do to the body?
Cat speeds up the central nervous system. Its effects may include increased heart rate, sweating, dehydration, enlarged pupils, increased body temperature, insomnia, teeth grinding, weight loss, restlessness and increased energy.
4. What are the psychological effects of Cat use?
Psychological effects may include euphoria, increased confidence, rapid speech, anxiety, mood swings, aggression and impaired judgement. More serious effects may include panic attacks, hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis and depression.
5. Is Cat addictive?
Yes. Methcathinone can be highly psychologically addictive. A person may develop strong cravings and repeatedly use the drug to avoid the crash or withdrawal symptoms that follow stimulant use.
6. What is a Cat crash and binge cycle?
A crash and binge cycle occurs when a person uses a large amount of Cat, experiences an uncomfortable physical and emotional crash, and then uses the drug again to reduce withdrawal symptoms or regain its stimulant effects. This pattern can reinforce dependency and cause further harm.
7. Can Cat addiction be treated?
Yes. Cat addiction can be treated through a structured programme that addresses substance use, cravings, emotional triggers, mental health, behaviour and relapse prevention. Treatment may include counselling, individual and group therapy, residential rehabilitation and ongoing recovery support.
8. Where can I get treatment for Cat addiction in South Africa?
Crossroads Recovery Centre provides professional addiction treatment through its Johannesburg and Pretoria treatment centres. You can contact the admissions team confidentially to discuss an assessment, residential rehabilitation or outpatient treatment options.
Recovery from Cat Addiction Is Possible
Cat addiction can affect a person's physical health, emotional stability, judgement, relationships and sense of direction. The cycle of stimulant use, crashing and returning to the drug can become difficult to break without appropriate professional support.
Recovery is possible when treatment addresses the addiction openly and holistically. Crossroads Recovery Centre supports individuals through a structured recovery process that focuses on the symptoms of addiction, its underlying causes and the practical skills required to maintain long-term change.
Support is available through the Johannesburg Treatment Centre , the Pretoria Treatment Centre and the outpatient programme . Contacting the admissions team can be the first meaningful step towards safety, stability and recovery.
Get in Touch. Let Us Help
You do not have to face Cat addiction alone. Speak confidentially with the Crossroads Recovery Centre team about assessment, rehabilitation and ongoing recovery support in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
