Betel nuts are a top mind-affecting substance. Now there's evidence of ancient use
A new study reveals that ancient humans in Sulawesi used psychoactive betel nuts up to 25,000 years ago. This discovery proves that prehistoric populations engaged in drug use long before the advent of farming. Researchers found evidence of the mind-affecting substance preserved in ancient teeth. The findings push back the timeline for early human substance use significantly. Betel nuts rank as a top mind-affecting substance today, and this new evidence confirms the deep history of human interaction with psychoactive plants across prehistoric societies.
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- ✓ Ancient humans in Sulawesi were using psychoactive betel nuts up to 25,000 years ago.
- ✓ The use of psychoactive betel nuts occurred long before farming began.
What changed
A new study analyzing 25,000-year-old teeth provides direct evidence of ancient betel nut use long before farming began.
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Ancient Teeth Show 25,000-Year-Old Betel Nut Habit
A new study reveals that ancient humans in Sulawesi used psychoactive betel nuts up to 25,000 years ago. This discovery proves that prehistoric populations engaged in drug use long before the advent of farming. Researchers found evidence of the mind-affecting substance preserved in ancient teeth. The findings push back the timeline for early human substance use significantly. Betel nuts rank as a top mind-affecting substance today, and this new evidence confirms the deep history of human interaction with psychoactive plants across prehistoric societies.
Why it matters
Archaeological findings of ancient psychoactive substance use are rare, especially from periods predating agriculture. Tracing these habits provides insight into early human behavior and resource utilization. These discoveries challenge previous timelines regarding when people began consuming mind-altering substances.
What is confirmed
- Ancient humans in Sulawesi were using psychoactive betel nuts up to 25,000 years ago.
- The use of psychoactive betel nuts occurred long before farming began.
What to watch next
- Further archaeological analysis of prehistoric teeth from other regions to track early psychoactive plant use.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- NPR — Betel nuts are a top mind-affecting substance. Now there's evidence of ancient use
- VICE — 25,000-Year-Old Teeth Reveal Ancient Humans Were Addicted to Nut Sucking
- SciTechDaily — A 25,000-Year-Old Drug Habit Was Hidden in Ancient Teeth
- ThePrint — Humans used psychoactive betel nuts 25,000 years ago, long before farming, a new study finds
- Boise State Public Radio — Scientists find evidence of ancient drug use in prehistoric teeth
- The Guam Daily Post — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- www.earth.com — Ancient teeth reveal humans were getting high 25,000 years ago
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