Drug Use in Ancient Times: New Insights
Drug Use May Have Began 25,000 Years Ago
According to recent research published in Science Advances, humans may have been using mind-altering substances far earlier than previously thought. The study suggests that betel nuts, a psychoactive substance, were utilized by ancient communities in Indonesia as early as 25,000 years ago.
Ella Kipling from the BBC reports on this fascinating discovery.
Scientists from Griffith University in Australia examined the skeletal remains of two early human foragers from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. One set of remains dated back to 25,000-16,000 years ago, while the other was from 7,600-6,300 years ago.
A notable dental wear pattern, characterized by deep, rounded tooth grooves, was observed in both individuals. This unusual wear was attributed to sucking whole betel nuts, which induce a sense of mild euphoria and heightened awareness.
Historical Perspective on Drug Use
This discovery challenges the previously held belief that drug use began with the advent of farming around 13,000 years ago. Betel nut chewing, a tradition deeply rooted in ancient forager cultures, predates this, suggesting a longer history of drug use than previously recognized.
Modern Relevance
In modern times, betel nuts are chewed by approximately one-tenth of the global population, primarily in South and Southeast Asia. The study’s findings highlight the potential for modern drug-taking behaviors to have ancient roots, emphasizing the significance of forager traditions in shaping our common psychoactive substance use.
Methodology
Researchers conducted experiments, soaking betel nuts in artificial saliva, and discovered that simply sucking on intact nuts released enough psychoactive compounds to alter brain function. While the effects may have been milder than modern betel nut chewing practices, the habit was significant enough to cause severe gum disease.
