Berihun, Assefa (PhD)Kiros, Ermias2020-10-222023-11-182020-10-222023-11-182019-10http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/22929The aim of this study was to investigate the link between khat abuse and the experience of depression among people who are under treatment for substance abuse program in rehabilitation centers. The study was carried out in Sitota and Abichu mental health clinics. The current study aimed to explore the development of depression as a result of khat abuse using a qualitative research methodology, to explore respondents‟ own accounts of substance use and how they make sense of these experiences, their trajectory towards khat use as well as their motivation for treatment. A qualitative research design was employed, drawing on the interpretive framework which seeks to understand how people make sense of their experiences. The qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews (N=9) and focus group discussions (N=14).The study found that peer pressure and psychological pain experienced played a motivating role in their substance use. The study has figured out multiple perceived reasons for khat abuse and it‟s impact.enEducationThesis