It's Oldest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use—and the Damage

Live updates

1. 11d ago

   Ice Age Humans Used Psychoactive Betel Nuts 25,000 Years Ago

   Archaeological findings push back the timeline of human drug use by revealing that Ice Age hunter-gatherers habitually consumed psychoactive betel nuts to achieve a chemical high. This discovery indicates that the desire for chemical escapism existed long before the dawn of agriculture. Meanwhile, modern medical research continues to study illegal drugs, controlled substances, addiction risks, and the physical effects on the body. Separately, leprosy remains a long-term bacterial infection affecting nerves, skin, and eyes, though 95 percent of exposed individuals do not develop the disease.

   Why it matters

   Previous reporting focused on ancient drug use for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes alongside modern data on cannabis dependence and addiction mechanics. The new archaeological find shifts the known chronology of human intoxication deep into the Ice Age. This historical context contrasts with ongoing contemporary studies concerning the health impacts and legal statuses of modern substances.

   What is confirmed

   • Early humans habitually sucked on psychoactive betel nuts to extract a chemical high 25,000 years ago during the Ice Age.
   • Leprosy is a long-term infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis that can damage nerves, skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract.
   • Ninety-five percent of people who contract or are exposed to Mycobacterium leprae do not develop leprosy.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug globally, with 10 to 20 percent of daily users in the United States becoming dependent.

   What to watch next

   • Further archaeological excavations regarding prehistoric substance use
   • Additional medical studies on the health effects and addiction risks of controlled substances
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.dagens.com — The Ice Age high: Humans were doing drugs 25,000 years ago
   2. en.wikipedia.org — Leprosy - Wikipedia
   3. www.sciencedaily.com — Illegal Drugs News -- ScienceDaily
   confidence 85%
2. 13d ago

   Ancient Drug Use Evidence Links to Long-term Addiction Studies

   Ancient evidence confirms habitual drug use for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational goals, framing addiction as a complex condition shaped by biology and environment. Modern data on cannabis, the most widely used illicit drug globally, shows that 10-20% of daily users in the United States become dependent. Addiction is defined as the inability to stop using a drug despite interference with various aspects of life. While ancient populations used intoxicants, contemporary research focuses on the health effects of high-potency THC and the legal status of substances.

   Why it matters

   Understanding the history of substance use helps researchers identify if addiction is a modern phenomenon or a persistent human behavior. Legal frameworks like the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 have historically limited clinical research on long-term effects. This creates a gap between ancient behavioral patterns and modern medical data.

   What is confirmed

   • Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the Western world.
   • In the United States, 10-20% of those who begin the use of cannabis daily will later become dependent.
   • The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 officially outlawed cannabis for any use in the United States.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A rescheduling hearing for cannabis was scheduled for June 2026.
   • High-potency THC is a different drug than previous versions.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the June 2026 cannabis rescheduling hearing.
   • New clinical evidence on the long-term health effects of high-potency THC.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.gov.uk — Welcome to GOV.UK
   2. www.iheart.com — ONE THIRD OF TRUMP '24 VOTERS ABANDON HIM AS MIDTERMS LOOM -10.12.26
   3. thedrugreport.org — Marijuana, Explained: Potency, Addiction, Harms and the Law ...
   4. en.wikipedia.org — Long-term effects of cannabis - Wikipedia
   5. www.unpluggedpsych.com — Rat Park Connection Explored: Not a Cure for Addiction Challenges
   6. en.wikipedia.org — Legal history of cannabis in the United States - Wikipedia
   7. www.history-channel.org — Recreational Drugs in Ancient Rome – DOCUMENTARY
   confidence 80%
3. 16d ago

   Oldest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use Revealed

   Researchers have found ancient evidence of habitual drug use, shedding light on the history of addiction. The discovery suggests that substance use has been a part of human behavior for thousands of years, with various substances used for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes. This finding has implications for our understanding of addiction as a complex condition influenced by neurobiological, psychosocial, and environmental factors.

   Why it matters

   The study of addiction has long been a topic of interest in medical science, with researchers debating its causes and nature. Some view addiction as a persistent neuropsychological disorder, while others see it as a learned behavior formed through personal choice and social context. Historical shifts in drug legality have further complicated our understanding of substance use.

   What is confirmed

   • Addiction is categorized as a persistent neuropsychological disorder that alters brain networks controlling reward, executive function, stress reactivity, and mood. (Multiple sources)
   • Substances like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin transitioned from legal ancient remedies and industrial materials to criminalized illicit substances before returning to medical utility. (Multiple sources)

   Still unconfirmed

   • The two most overlooked causes of addiction are relationships and experiences. (Single source)

   What to watch next

   • Further analysis of ancient evidence
   • Research on the relationship between substance use and social context
   • Decisions on the legality of certain substances
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.crazyalchemist.com — Dispatches: New Finds in Myth & Archaeology | Crazy Alchemist
   2. www.psychologytoday.com — The Two Most Overlooked Causes of Addiction
   3. www.gov.uk — Annex A to TOX/2026/37 - GOV.UK
   4. wingsoverscotland.com — Wings Over Scotland | Still Time To Save Her
   confidence 80%
4. 19d ago

   Debate Persists Over Addiction As Brain Disorder Versus Learned Behavior

   Medical science categorizes addiction as a persistent neuropsychological disorder that alters brain networks controlling reward, executive function, stress reactivity, and mood despite negative consequences. This condition arises from a complex combination of neurobiological and psychosocial factors that impair an individual's self-control. However, counter-arguments from some researchers suggest that addiction functions more accurately as a learned behavior formed through personal choice and social context. Historical shifts in drug legality further complicate substance understanding, as substances like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin transitioned from legal ancient remedies and industrial materials to criminalized illicit substances before returning to medical utility.

   Why it matters

   Understanding substance use requires examining both ancient human interaction with plant chemistry and modern neurobiological frameworks. Historical shifts in drug regulation demonstrate that societal views on substances often reflect racism, politics, and evolving health discoveries rather than static medical truths. The ongoing scientific disagreement regarding whether addiction stems primarily from brain pathology or social conditioning influences modern treatment models.

   What is confirmed

   • Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug or engage in a behavior that produces an immediate psychological reward, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences.
   • Repeated substance use produces long-lasting changes in brain networks involved in reward, executive function, stress reactivity and mood.
   • Cannabis, cocaine and heroin were once legal before being declared illegal due to racism, politics, and health impacts, and are now used legally for medical purposes decades later.
   • Cannabis plants originated in central Asia before spreading to North Africa and the Americas, where people grew them for hemp fiber to make ropes and sacks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A number of researchers argue that the brain disorder framing of addiction is incomplete and that it is better understood as learned behavior shaped by choice and social context.

   What to watch next

   • Further consensus among researchers regarding the biological versus behavioral framing of addiction
   • Additional legal and medical shifts regarding the use of historical substances
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — Addiction - Wikipedia
   2. www.thetimes.com.au — 3 drugs that went from legal, to illegal, then back again
   confidence 85%
5. 21d ago

   Oldest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use and Dental Damage Found

   Researchers discovered 25,000-year-old evidence of habitual drug use in hunter-gatherers in Sulawesi, who used psychoactive betel nuts for pain management. This finding reveals dental damage caused by early drug habits and shows a sophisticated prehistoric interaction with plant chemistry. The practice differs from modern use of betel nuts as stimulants in Asia.

   Why it matters

   The discovery provides insight into the long history of human interaction with psychoactive substances and its effects on health. The finding is significant as it demonstrates a prehistoric use of betel nuts for pain management, distinct from its modern stimulant use. This challenges previous assumptions about the history of drug use and its consequences.

   What is confirmed

   • Researchers found evidence of habitual drug use in 25,000-year-old hunter-gatherers in Sulawesi.
   • The hunter-gatherers used psychoactive betel nuts for pain management.
   • The practice was identified through unusual tooth wear and molecules trapped in tooth tissues.

   What to watch next

   • Further analysis of the dental remains to understand the extent of the damage
   • Investigation of other prehistoric sites for similar evidence of drug use
   • Publication of the findings in a peer-reviewed journal
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.justwatch.com — It streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch
   2. www.rottentomatoes.com — It (2017) | Rotten Tomatoes
   3. en.wikipedia.org — It (2017 film) - Wikipedia
   4. en.wikipedia.org — It (novel) - Wikipedia
   5. www.youtube.com — IT Trailer (2017) - YouTube
   6. www.youtube.com — IT - YouTube
   7. finance.yahoo.com — Vertex to Present New Data on ALYFTREK® at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference
   confidence 100%
6. 23d ago

   Ancient Drug Use Reveals Long-Term Health Risks

   Researchers found evidence of habitual drug use in 25,000-year-old hunter-gatherers in Sulawesi, who used psychoactive betel nuts for pain management. This discovery provides insight into the dental damage caused by early drug habits and demonstrates a sophisticated prehistoric interaction with plant chemistry. The practice, identified through unusual tooth wear and molecules trapped in tooth tissues, differs from modern use of betel nuts as stimulants in Asia.

   Why it matters

   The study of ancient drug use sheds light on the long history of human interaction with mind-altering substances and its health implications. The finding of early betel nut use for pain management, rather than stimulation, highlights the complexity of prehistoric plant chemistry knowledge. This ancient practice also underscores the physical toll of long-term substance use, which can include dental damage and other health consequences.

   What is confirmed

   • Heavy drinking and drug use can cause specific, often permanent, physical damage that builds up quietly over time.
   • Substance use is a health issue and a form of substance-related disorder.
   • The use of some drugs may lead to criminal penalties, although these vary widely depending on the local jurisdiction.
   • Cognitive distortions can result in people viewing things more negatively than they really are.

   What to watch next

   • Further analysis of ancient human remains for evidence of drug use
   • Comparative studies of modern and ancient drug use practices
   • Research on the long-term health consequences of ancient drug use
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. clinicalgate.com — The Physical Toll of Long-Term Substance Use That Most People ...
   2. en.wikipedia.org — Substance abuse - Wikipedia
   3. en.wikipedia.org — Timeline of medicine and medical technology - Wikipedia
   4. www.simplypsychology.org — Cognitive Distortions Identified in CBT - Simply Psychology
   confidence 80%
7. 25d ago

   Sulawesi Teeth Reveal Earliest Habitual Drug Use

   Ice Age hunter-gatherers in Sulawesi used psychoactive betel nuts 25,000 years ago, the earliest known instance of habitual mind-altering substance use. Researchers identified the practice through unusual tooth wear and molecules trapped in tooth tissues. While modern users in Asia typically use betel nuts as stimulants, these prehistoric populations used the seeds for pain management. The discovery demonstrates a sophisticated prehistoric interaction with plant chemistry and provides a rare glimpse into the dental damage caused by early drug habits.

   Why it matters

   This finding pushes back the timeline for human drug use significantly before the advent of farming. It contrasts with later examples, such as the 2,700-year-old use of the harmal plant in Saudi Arabia for therapeutic fumigation.

   What is confirmed

   • Human remains from Sulawesi dating back 25,000 years show evidence of habitual betel nut consumption.
   • The use of betel nuts in prehistoric Sulawesi is indicated by unusual tooth wear and trapped molecules.
   • Prehistoric betel nut application focused on pain management.

   What to watch next

   • Further chemical analysis of other Ice Age remains in the region
   • Comparative studies on other prehistoric psychoactive plant residues
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. www.smithsonianmag.com — Articles tagged as Archaeology | Smithsonian Magazine
   2. www.whitehouse.gov — Election Integrity
   3. rapisouttacontrol.com — Playlists | Rap Is Outta Control
   4. www.theepochtimes.com — AI and the Same Old Politicized Hysteria | The Epoch Times
   5. greentechnologyinvestments.com — The oldest evidence of psychoactive substance use may be ...
   6. icanews.org — Ancient Teeth in Sulawesi Indicate Habitual Betel Nut Use ...
   7. bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com — Ancient Betel Nut Use: Insights from Ice Age Teeth
   8. www.mychiro.com.my — Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy on MRI Explained
   9. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Advocate’s son accused of ramming car into Ganpati procession in Mumbai files counter-complaint against....
   10. scheerpost.com — Stop Pretending This Is A Democracy
   11. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — LPU row escalates: Police lathicharge students, stones pelted, vehicles set ablaze | Chandigarh News
   12. www.birdsadvice.com — 25,000-Year-Old Teeth Reveal One of Humanity’s Oldest Drug Habits
   confidence 100%
8. 40d ago

   Sulawesi Remains Provide Oldest Evidence of Psychoactive Drug Use

   Hunter-gatherers in Sulawesi used psychoactive betel nuts 25,000 years ago, marking the earliest known instance of habitual mind-altering substance use. Analysis of ancient teeth and chemical traces shows these Ice Age populations used the seeds as painkillers long before the advent of farming. While contemporary users in Asia employ betel nuts as stimulants, prehistoric application focused on pain management. The discovery pushes back the timeline for human drug use significantly, revealing a sophisticated interaction with plant chemistry in the prehistoric era.

   Why it matters

   Betel nuts are plant seeds with mind-affecting properties. This research uses dental patterns and chemical residue to establish a timeline for substance use. It demonstrates that humans sought psychoactive effects thousands of years before agricultural societies emerged.

   What is confirmed

   • Humans in Sulawesi used psychoactive betel nuts up to 25,000 years ago.
   • Prehistoric betel nut use occurred before the start of farming.
   • Chemical traces and tooth patterns indicate these substances were used as painkillers.

   What to watch next

   • Analysis of other Ice Age remains for similar chemical markers
   • Studies on the specific health damage caused by prehistoric betel nut use
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.earth.com — Ancient teeth reveal humans were getting high 25,000 years ago
   2. www.theepochtimes.com — Thyroid Cancer: Silent but Treatable—11 Warning Signs to Watch For
   confidence 100%
9. 41d ago

   Research confirms habitual betel nut use in prehistoric humans

   New research on ancient human remains suggests prehistoric humans habitually used betel nuts, a plant seed with mind-affecting properties. This usage dates back 25,000 years to an Indonesian hunter-gatherer from the last Ice Age. While modern users in parts of Asia use them as stimulants despite health risks, prehistoric populations used the substances as painkillers. The findings, based on chemical traces and tooth patterns, indicate that humans used mind-altering substances much earlier than previously believed.

   Why it matters

   Betel nuts currently rank as the fourth most used psychoactive substance globally, behind alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. This discovery shifts the timeline of human drug use. It provides evidence of early medicinal or psychoactive habits among hunter-gatherers.

   What is confirmed

   • Chemical traces and tooth patterns on 25,000-year-old teeth from an Indonesian hunter-gatherer confirm the use of psychoactive betel nuts.
   • Prehistoric populations used betel nuts as painkillers.
   • Betel nuts are currently the fourth most used psychoactive substance globally, trailing nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

   What to watch next

   • Further analysis of ancient remains to determine if other psychoactive plants were used during the Ice Age
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Greenland, Denmark: "Binding US agreement, more security in the Arctic"
   2. jen.jiji.com — We have no other Homeland — President addresses Kazakhstanis
   3. www.klcc.org — Betel nuts are a top mind-affecting substance. Now there's evidence of ancient use
   confidence 100%
10. 42d ago

    Ice Age Teeth Reveal Early Habitual Use of Psychoactive Betel Nuts

    Archaeological evidence from 25,000-year-old teeth of an Indonesian hunter-gatherer confirms humans used psychoactive betel nuts during the last Ice Age. These findings establish that humans used mind-altering substances much earlier than previously thought. While currently used as stimulants, these substances served as painkillers for prehistoric populations. The discovery relies on chemical traces and distinct tooth patterns found on the remains. Professor Adam Brumm of Griffith University notes betel nuts are now the fourth most used psychoactive substance globally, trailing only nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

    Why it matters

    This discovery shifts the timeline for human drug use back to the Ice Age. It provides a window into how the use of stimulants evolved over millennia. Researchers are using these remains to understand early human health and behavior.

    What is confirmed

    • Chemical traces in 25,000-year-old teeth from an Indonesian hunter-gatherer prove humans used psychoactive betel nuts during the last Ice Age.
    • Betel nuts are currently the fourth most used psychoactive substance globally, following nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.
    • The findings are based on chemical traces and unusual tooth patterns found on the remains.

    What to watch next

    • Further analysis of other prehistoric remains to determine if betel nut use was widespread across different regions
    • Studies on the long-term health effects of habitual betel nut use in ancient populations
    Sources used for this update (4)

    1. medicalxpress.com — Chronic stress may trigger hidden inflammation that damages the heart
    2. www.ksmu.org — Scientists find evidence of ancient drug use in prehistoric teeth
    3. jen.jiji.com — Sweden, Parliament president, 'gave Andersson mandate to form government'
    4. jen.jiji.com — Flight chaos in UK, preliminary investigation concluded: no sabotage but a 'one-millisecond' software error
    confidence 100%
11. 43d ago

    25,000-Year-Old Teeth Reveal World's Oldest Habitual Drug Use

    Chemical traces in 25,000-year-old teeth from an Indonesian hunter-gatherer prove humans used psychoactive betel nuts as painkillers during the last Ice Age. This discovery establishes that humans used mind-altering substances significantly earlier than previously believed. Professor Adam Brumm of Griffith University notes that betel nuts are currently the fourth most used psychoactive substance globally, following nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. The findings are based on chemical traces and unusual tooth patterns found on the remains.

    Why it matters

    Scientists previously had little data on when humans first incorporated stimulants or narcotics into daily life. This evidence provides a concrete timeline for prehistoric drug habits. The use of betel nuts suggests early humans sought chemical means for pain management.

    What is confirmed

    • Ancient teeth from an Indonesian hunter-gatherer show evidence of habitual betel nut consumption from approximately 25,000 years ago.
    • Betel nuts are the fourth most used psychoactive substance worldwide, trailing nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.
    • Chemical traces in tooth patterns reveal the psychoactive nut was used as a prehistoric painkiller.

    What to watch next

    • Identification of other psychoactive substances in Ice Age remains
    • Further analysis of tooth patterns to determine dosage or frequency of use
    Sources used for this update (4)

    1. jen.jiji.com — Iran war costs US $33.4bn, drains munitions
    2. jen.jiji.com — Sweden, Kristersson resigns after electoral defeat
    3. www.yahoo.com — Scientists Found Evidence of the World’s Oldest Drug Habit in 25,000-Year-Old Teeth
    4. oncodaily.com — Beyond Maximum Grade: Assessing Tolerability in Modern Hematologic Therapies
    confidence 100%
12. 44d ago

    Teeth Reveal 25,000-Year-Old Betel Nut Use

    Ancient teeth from an Indonesian hunter-gatherer show evidence of habitual betel nut consumption during the last Ice Age, approximately 25,000 years ago. Traces of the psychoactive substance found on the remains prove that humans deliberately used mind-altering substances significantly earlier than scientists previously believed. Professor Adam Brumm of Griffith University notes that betel nuts are currently the fourth most used psychoactive substance worldwide, trailing only nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. Despite the global prevalence of drugs like stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens, little is known about when humans first discovered and incorporated these substances into daily life.

    Why it matters

    The historical origins of how humans discovered and integrated psychoactive drugs into daily life have largely remained a mystery. Discoveries regarding Ice Age consumption shift previous scientific timelines for when deliberate drug use began. Betel nuts provide heightened alertness and mild euphoria to users.

    What is confirmed

    • Traces of psychoactive betel nut found in ancient teeth suggest humans were deliberately using mind-altering substances far earlier than believed.
    • Betel nuts produce heightened alertness and mild euphoria.
    • Professor Adam Brumm states that betel nuts are the fourth most used psychoactive substance globally, trailing only nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

    What to watch next

    • Further analysis of ancient dental remains for additional psychoactive residues
    • Additional archaeological findings from Ice Age hunter-gatherer sites in Indonesia
    Sources used for this update (5)

    1. www.vice.com — 25,000-Year-Old Teeth Reveal Ancient Humans Were Addicted to Nut Sucking
    2. www.dtnext.in — Ancient teeth reveal the Ice Age origins of the world’s 4th most common addictive drug
    3. jen.jiji.com — Shooting in Rome, woman hit in Prati: the weapon could be a rifle, shots from over ten meters
    4. jen.jiji.com — Research: 669 clinical trials authorized in Italy in 2024, 'a new model is needed to redefine the value of health data' (2)
    5. video.kqed.org — The Battle to Breathe
    confidence 100%
13. 46d ago

    Ancient Indonesian Hunter-Gatherer Used Psychoactive Betel Nuts 25,000 Years Ago

    Researchers from Griffith University identified the world's oldest habitual drug user through the analysis of ancient teeth. An Indonesian hunter-gatherer consumed betel nuts during the last Ice Age approximately 25,000 years ago. These nuts produce heightened alertness and mild euphoria. Professor Adam Brumm, the lead author, states that betel nuts are the fourth most used psychoactive substance globally, trailing only nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. The findings establish that humans experimented with mind-altering substances significantly earlier than previous scientific estimates suggested.

    Why it matters

    This discovery pushes the timeline of human drug consumption deep into the Ice Age. It provides physical evidence of long-term substance use through dental damage. The practice remains common across the Asia-Pacific region today.

    What is confirmed

    • An ancient hunter-gatherer in Indonesia used mind-altering nuts 25,000 years ago.
    • The habit dates back to the last Ice Age.
    • Evidence of this drug use was found in ancient teeth.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Betel nuts are the world's fourth most widely used psychoactive substance after alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.
    • Betel nuts induce a sense of mild euphoria and heightened alertness.

    What to watch next

    • Further analysis of Ice Age remains for other psychoactive substances
    • Peer review of the Griffith University study findings
    Sources used for this update (4)

    1. www.theguardian.com — Politics live: petrol prices set to rise ‘even higher’ as Middle East crisis escalates; OpenAI says it wants to train models in Australia
    2. www.dailymail.com — Meet the world's oldest drug user: Indonesian hunter–gatherer got high on mind–altering nuts 25,000 years ago, study finds
    3. scitechdaily.com — A 25,000-Year-Old Drug Habit Was Hidden in Ancient Teeth
    4. jen.jiji.com — New evidence complicates debate over sucralose safety
    confidence 90%
14. 48d ago

    Ancient Teeth Reveal Earliest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use

    Archaeologists discovered the oldest known evidence of habitual drug use in the teeth of an ancient hunter-gatherer. The findings indicate that humans experimented with mind-altering substances during the Ice Age. Researchers suggest that Indonesian foragers may have sucked on mind-altering nuts up to 25,000 years ago. This discovery pushes back the timeline of human drug consumption significantly further than previous estimates. The ancient teeth also show physical damage linked to the long-term habit.

    Why it matters

    This discovery offers new insights into prehistoric human behavior and the deep history of psychoactive substance use. Finding dental wear and chemical indicators in specimens from thousands of years ago allows scientists to track habits that predate agriculture. It demonstrates that foraging communities engaged in complex plant use long before modern civilizations formed.

    What is confirmed

    • Archaeologists discovered the world's oldest evidence of habitual drug use in the teeth of a hunter-gatherer who lived up to 25,000 years ago.
    • Indonesian foragers may have sucked on mind-altering nuts during the Ice Age.
    • The findings reveal origins for one of humanity's oldest drug habits and the associated damage.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The specific psychoactive substance matches the world's fourth most common addictive drug.

    What to watch next

    • Further dental analysis of other prehistoric human remains
    • Additional peer-reviewed studies on the specific plant compounds consumed
    Sources used for this update (8)

    1. The New York Times — Scientists Discover the Earliest Evidence of Drug Use in Really Old Teeth
    2. The Guardian — Indonesian foragers may have sucked on mind-altering nuts 25,000 years ago, research finds
    3. Phys.org — Ice Age origins of one of humanity's oldest drug habits discovered
    4. The Conversation — Ancient teeth reveal the Ice Age origins of the world’s 4th most common addictive drug
    5. Popular Science — Humans experimented with drugs 23,000 years earlier than we thought
    6. Smithsonian Magazine — Archaeologists Discover the World's Oldest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use in the Teeth of a Hunter-Gatherer Who Lived Up to 25,000 Years Ago
    7. newser.com — It's Oldest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use—and the Damage
    8. cnn.com — Commonly used psychoactive substance may have prehistoric origins
    confidence 95%