Ancient teeth reveal humans were getting high 25,000 years ago

Recent research conducted on human remains from Sulawesi has provided compelling evidence that prehistoric hunter-gatherers were using the psychoactive betel nut approximately 25,000 years ago. By examining ancient dental remains, scientists identified specific patterns of tooth wear alongside chemical traces of arecoline, the primary mind-altering compound found in the nut. Researchers hypothesize that the practice may have initially emerged as a form of self-medication for dental pain. However, the study confirms that consistent, long-term consumption led to significant dental damage among the individuals. This finding is particularly notable as it potentially represents the earliest documented instance of habitual psychoactive substance use in human history, offering new insights into the behavioral patterns, medicinal practices, and health challenges faced by early populations in the region.