DEADLY EFFECTS OF MIRAA

DRUG ABUSE

Miraa abuse in Kenya

Definition

            Miraa- is a plant whose fresh leaves and soft twigs are chewed to release a juice containing cathinone and cathine, the active chemicals that alter the mood of the abuser. (Nacada)

Khat is a slow-growing shrub or tree that grows to between 1.5 meters and 20 meters tall, depending on region and rainfall, with evergreen leaves 5–10 cm long and 1–4 cm broad (Wikipedia)

History

Catha edulis appears to have originated in Ethiopia. It spread early on to Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea and the Arabian Peninsula. It is also grown in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa. Khat is so popular in Yemen that its cultivation consumes much of the country's agricultural resources. 40% of the country's water supply goes towards irrigating it.

In Kenya

It is also very popular in Kenya. It is grown in the Eastern province, in the county of Meru, at a place called Maua which happens to be the hub of the Industry.  Its consumption is allover Kenya, and as far as Somalia, where the multi-million business shines.

Most Kenyans might not view it as a drug due to the popularity and frequency. It has many names in Kenya, which defer from place to place; khat, veve, muguka, guks, gomba, mbachu, mairungi, alele, giza or halwa.

Growing

It takes nearly seven to eight years for the Khat plant to reach its full height. Other than access to sun and water, Khat requires little maintenance. Ground water is often pumped from deep wells by diesel engines to irrigate the crops, or brought in by water trucks.

 The plants are watered heavily starting around a month before they are harvested to make the leaves and stems soft and moist. A good Khat plant can be harvested four times a year, providing a yearlong source of income for the farmer.

Economy commands its existence

In Kenya, Miraa is widely grown and has developed into one of the most important cash crops making the farmers so wealthy- Somali. In Yemen, 2.5 million Yemeni rials per hectare are from Miraa, while fruits brought only 0.57 million rials per hectare.

Old and new wine

In the past, Miraa was only chewed on special occasions by old men. It used to play a vital role in the traditional and cultural life.  Nowadays include truck drivers and people who run kiosks, bars or hotels that stay open all day and night. Evry other person who works at night is more likely to use Miraa if the job is so demanding and cannot afford such like coffee.

                                            

Reasons/ Causes of the abuse

1. Need to stay awake(drivers)
2. Cheats hunger
3. Suppresses fatigue
4. Brighten up mood- similar to tea or coffee (cheaper, right?)
5. Fit in
6. Availability/cheaper than other drugs
7. Idleness
8. It has become a culture to some (marriages in Meru)

Health risks and effects

Immediate effects:

1. Increased heart rate, breathing rate(confused with libido energy)
2. High body temperature, blood pressure.
3. Increased alertness, excitement, and energy
4. Decreased appetite.
5. Dehydration
6. Discoloring of teeth

Long-term effects

1. Increases in severity of psychological problems (such as depression, paranoia, anxiety, irritation, and more severe psychological problems)
2. Difficulty sleeping
3. Impotence
4. Chronic constipation
5. Inflammation of the mouth and other parts of the oral cavity
6. Oral cancer.

Intermediate effects

1. Death and stroke following acute coronary syndrome.

Either from impaired insight into symptoms by the khat chewer, delays to care, or poorly understood pathos-physiological mechanisms

Effects on reproduction system

1. Spermatorrhea- a condition where a man suffers continuous ejaculation
2. Inhibited urine flow(due to constricted blood vessels)
3. Inability to attain and sustain an erection
4. Inhibits blood flow to the reproductive system
5. In women dries the lining of the reproductive tract thus pain during sexual intercourse and blistering.
6. Micro-injuries can cause infections and STDs
7. Decreases blood flow the uterus during pregnancy

NB: The major cause of fighting in Meru is Miraa.

Managing the effects of Miraa

1. Brushing teeth daily
2. Tea in place of Miraa
3. Employment
4. Counseling for serious stages
5. Changing group of friends
6. Family and friends support not avoidance
7. Follow-up by schools (high schools)

There is a connection to deviant behavior

1.      Borrowing tendencies

2.      Addiction to people

3.      Stealing

4.      Idleness and fantasies leads to unacceptable behaviors(rape, death) 

Demographics

In Yemen, 80% of the males and 45% of the females were found to be khat users.  Researchers estimate that about 70–80% of Yemenis between 16 and 50 years old chew khat. Local researcher Ali Al-Zubaidi has estimated that the amount of money spent on khat has increased from 14.6 billion rials in 1990 to 41.2 billion rials in 1995.

 In Somalia, 61% of the population reported that they do use khat, 18% report habitual use, and 21% are occasional users. In Kenya, its mostly a matter of leisure, though men are more.

Withdrawal symptoms

1. Mild depression and irritability.
2. Lethargy- state of being drowsy and dull
3.  Mild depression
4.  Nightmares
5. Slight tremor.