Ancient Teeth Suggest Humans Were Using Mind-Altering Drugs 25,000 Years Ago
What Happened
"Researchers from Griffith University found evidence that hunter-gatherers on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island were consuming betel nut, a psychoactive stimulant, as far back as 25,000 years ago. By analyzing unusual wear patterns and chemical traces of arecoline (the nut’s active compound) in ancient teeth, scientists concluded that these individuals likely sucked on betel nuts regularly. Betel nut remains the world’s fourth most widely used psychoactive substance today, after alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine."
Key Takeaways
The discovery could represent the earliest known evidence of habitual drug use in humans, pushing the origins of psychoactive substance consumption far earlier than previously believed. Researchers also think the nuts may have been used partly as a painkiller for toothaches, although long-term use appears to have caused severe dental damage.