Drug use may have begun 25,000 years ago in Indonesia, research finds (www.bbc.com)

submitted 4 days ago by Wren@lemmy.today to c/wildfeed@sh.itjust.works

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Humans may have been using mind-altering substances far earlier than scientists had once thought, new research indicates.

The evidence shows that betel nuts were used as drugs by some Indonesian communities up to 25,000 years ago.

Scientists from Griffith University in Australia found unusual patterns in the skeletal remains of early human foragers, which they linked to the sucking of betel nuts.

Professor Adam Brumm, who led the research, said this may be the "earliest evidence for drug use anywhere in the world".

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[-] Barley_Man@sopuli.xyz 6 points 4 days ago

If any of you are curious Betel nut sucks ass. Doesn't feel like much at all, destroys your health, discolors everything and is extremely addictive. Just drink coffee instead.

[-] bedwyr@piefed.ca 1 points 3 days ago

I have been curious of that one, but already was informed as such, that it's not great.

Khat on the other hand I want to try. But because of it's association with East Africa and the Middle East it's illegal in much of the west. Also the active ingredient Cathinone degrades quickly and can' be dried and shipped like Marijuana or something as I understand it. There are synthetics though, but the bad rap persists.

As to the betel nut, it's supposed to help kill intestinal parasites to it's credit.

[-] schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works 5 points 4 days ago

Likely began far before that, this drug just happens to leave its mark on bone.

[-] hamsamrich@lemmy.world 2 points 4 days ago

I can personally confirm the last 20 or so years

this post was submitted on 10 Sep 2026

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