Drug use may have begun 25,000 years ago in Indonesia, research finds
Summary
New research shows that people in Indonesia may have used betel nuts as a drug as far back as 25,000 years ago. Scientists found unusual patterns on ancient teeth, which they believe came from sucking betel nuts, a substance that can create mild euphoria and alertness.Key Facts
- Scientists studied skeletal remains from Sulawesi, Indonesia, dating 25,000-16,000 years ago and 7,600-6,300 years ago.
- Both ancient individuals showed deep grooves on their teeth caused by sucking whole betel nuts.
- Betel nuts come from the Areca catechu palm and can make people feel mildly euphoric and more aware.
- Betel nut use is the fourth most common psychoactive substance worldwide after alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.
- Previously, scientists thought drug use began about 13,000 years ago with alcohol after farming started.
- The study suggests drug use may have started much earlier with hunter-gatherer communities.
- Today, betel nuts are usually chewed with slaked lime and other ingredients, especially in South and Southeast Asia.
- Experiments showed that even sucking whole betel nuts releases enough active compounds to affect the brain.
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