The Scientific Debate on Khat Addiction: Evidence Across Humans, Animals, and Policy Domains

The authors investigate the contentious status of khat as an addictive substance, examining the conflicting evidence regarding its dependence potential across human and animal studies, as well as the implications for policy regulation. They highlight the need for standardized assessments and evidence-based treatments, emphasizing that the harms associated with khat use are more closely linked to usage patterns and sociocultural factors than to the pharmacological properties of its alkaloids. Ultimately, the paper calls for further research to clarify khat's addictive nature and to inform effective interventions.