Psychosocial Consequences, Experiences, and Motives in Quitting Khat Among Daily Users: A Qualitative Study in Gondar City

The study examines psychological and social effects on married adult males who consume khat (Catha edulis) throughout Gondar City Ethiopia. The research demonstrates khat serves as a substantial public health concern because it triggers various adverse mental health impacts affecting individuals at all life stages and extended family and community members. Using both snowball sampling and convenience methods researchers gathered ten regular khat users for an investigation on addiction patterns and psychological symptoms and social effects and withdrawal mechanisms. The study implemented Amharic participants who received transcription services as well as thematic structural analysis. Those who use khat understand it serves as an addictive substance while using it to battle their life stress. The research revealed that repetitive unfortunate encounters caused both mental diseases and depression and psychosis and led to household ruptures and financial ruin. Subjects experienced major obstacles in ending their khat consumption since their bodies reacted with physical withdrawal symptoms and their minds remained addicted to its effects. The study demonstrates that health authorities should create personalized intervention programs which inform users about khat dangers and offer retreatment solutions to address addiction symptoms across physical and mental health domains. The study works to develop new public health policies and increase knowledge about khat behavioral effects within affected demographic groups.