Ancient Remains Suggest Drug Use 25,000 Years Ago

Skeletal remains discovered in Indonesia suggest that humans may have been using mind-altering substances as early as 25,000 years ago, pushing back the timeline for such behaviors significantly further than previously understood. The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, focus on the analysis of human remnants from Sulawesi, with the oldest dating between 16,000 and 25,000 years ago.

Researchers from Griffith University observed unusual wear on the teeth of these ancient individuals, which they attribute to the chewing of betel nuts. These nuts, known for their psychoactive properties that can induce mild euphoria and heightened alertness, are still used by millions today, particularly in India and the South Pacific.

"It is the world’s fourth most widely used psychoactive substance, after alcohol, caffeine and nicotine," said Professor Adam Brumm, the study's lead author. If confirmed, this prehistoric drug use predates the previously oldest known evidence of such activity—13,000-year-old barley-based drinks found in modern-day Israel.

The study aimed to confirm the use of betel nuts in prehistoric times, as these seeds are rarely found at archaeological sites. The researchers conducted biochemical tests on betel nuts, demonstrating that chewing them can release arecoline, the psychoactive compound, in amounts sufficient to affect brain function, even without the addition of slaked lime typically used by modern consumers.

Further analysis of the skeletal remains revealed traces of betel nuts within dental tissues, indicating ingestion. The researchers hypothesize that the practice may have initially been adopted to alleviate dental pain. However, this habit could have paradoxically worsened dental health over time, leading to erosion, pain, and infections, potentially creating a cycle of continued use.

This discovery offers a glimpse into the complex behaviors and substance use of early humans during the Late Pleistocene era, suggesting that chemically-enhanced experiences may be deeply rooted in human history.