Possible reasons miraa chewers never run out of stories

Anyone who has spent time around miraa chewers has probably noticed something interesting.

Some people become extremely talkative after chewing miraa.

Conversations become longer, stories become more detailed, and sometimes even ordinary topics suddenly feel exciting or deeply important.

This behaviour is not simply about culture or personality alone. Science shows that miraa, also known as khat, contains psychoactive chemicals that directly affect the brain and nervous system.

These chemicals can temporarily change mood, alertness, confidence, concentration, and speech patterns.

The main chemical in miraa is cathinone

The primary active chemical in fresh miraa is called cathinone.

Scientists describe cathinone as a natural stimulant that has effects somewhat similar to amphetamines, although usually less powerful.

Cathinone mainly affects the central nervous system by increasing activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin.

These neurotransmitters help regulate:

• Mood
• Motivation
• Energy
• Alertness
• Reward sensation
• Social behaviour
• Communication

When these brain chemicals increase temporarily, many users feel more energetic, confident, mentally active, and socially open.

Why some chewers talk excessively

One reason miraa users may speak a lot is because cathinone stimulates dopamine pathways in the brain.

Dopamine is strongly connected to motivation, excitement, pleasure, and verbal expression.

When dopamine activity rises, some people become more socially confident and mentally stimulated.

Thoughts may flow faster, and users may feel an increased urge to communicate ideas continuously.

Researchers reviewing khat effects have reported that users often experience:

• Increased alertness
• Euphoria
• Enhanced self-esteem
• Improved communication confidence
• Increased ability to associate ideas
• Over-talkativeness

In simple terms, the brain temporarily becomes overstimulated, making some people feel mentally “charged” and eager to keep conversations going.

Speech coordination can become altered

The brain areas involved in speech, emotional control, and social interaction depend heavily on balanced neurotransmitter activity.

When stimulants like cathinone increase dopamine and noradrenaline activity, some users experience faster thought patterns and reduced self-monitoring. This can affect speech coordination and conversational control.

Instead of speaking briefly and calmly, some people may:

• Jump rapidly between topics
• Repeat stories
• Speak louder than usual
• Become emotionally expressive
• Over-explain simple matters
• Struggle to notice social cues to stop talking

This does not necessarily mean the person is confused. In many cases, the brain is temporarily overstimulated and operating in a heightened state of alertness.

Miraa may reduce fatigue and increase wakefulness

Another reason miraa chewers may talk for hours is because the stimulant effects reduce feelings of tiredness.

Cathinone activates the nervous system, increasing wakefulness and reducing the need for sleep temporarily.

As energy levels rise, conversations can continue for long periods, especially in social settings where groups chew together for several hours.

This explains why some chewing sessions involve storytelling, debates, jokes, politics, football discussions, or deep personal conversations lasting late into the night.

Different people react differently

Not every miraa chewer becomes highly talkative.

Brain chemistry, personality, mental health, frequency of use, sleep levels, and amount consumed all influence how someone reacts.

Some users become quiet and deeply focused, while others become energetic and socially expressive.

Scientific reviews note that excessive use may also cause irritability, anxiety, restlessness, or emotional instability in some individuals.

Long-term heavy use may affect mental health

While moderate users may mainly experience temporary stimulation, studies also warn that prolonged heavy use can negatively affect mental and physical health.

Researchers have linked chronic khat use with:

• Sleep problems
• Anxiety
• Mood changes
• Cognitive difficulties
• Psychological dependence
• Increased stress responses

In extreme cases, excessive stimulant exposure may contribute to paranoia or psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals.

More Articles

---