The Trimbos Institute is taking stock of supply and demand in the field of prevention and assistance related to the use of khat by Somalis in the Netherlands.
The problematic use of khat is a social problem among the Somali community in the Netherlands to which insufficient attention has been given until recently.
Vulnerable position
The problematic use of khat leads to health complaints and disrupts the social and economic life of the user and their immediate environment. Often it is accompanied by debt and tensions in the home. The seriousness of the use of khat appears to be related to the socio-economic position of Somalis in the Netherlands. Many Somalis are in a vulnerable position characterised by low levels of education, high unemployment and children growing up in single-parent households.
Taking stock of problems
Over the next six months, the institute will be charting the demand for prevention and assistance as well as that which is currently on offer in the field of the problematic use of khat. To this end, discussions will take place with representatives of organisations for and by Somalis in several regions as well as discussions with professionals in centres for the reception of asylum seekers (COA), addiction care facilities and local health care facilities.
The goal of this stock-taking is to gain an insight into the needs of Somalis and professionals regarding the problematic use of khat and to take stock of what is needed to bring supply and demand together.
More information:
Clary van der Veen
