Sulawesi archaeological find suggests ancient use of psychoactive drugs

Archaeological research on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi suggests that humans may have used psychoactive substances as far back as 25,000 years ago. Researchers examined the skeletal remains of two adults, one dating to approximately 7,000 years ago and another from between 16,000 and 25,000 years ago.

Both individuals exhibited deep, rounded grooves in their teeth, likely caused by repeatedly holding and moving a hard, abrasive object in their mouths. Scientists identified traces of psychoactive substances in the dental calculus, leading them to conclude the objects were likely betel nuts from the areca palm. These nuts contain arecoline, a psychoactive compound.

Adam Brumm of Griffith University noted that the findings provide insight into how the consumption of betel nuts—the fourth most widely used psychoactive substance globally—may have evolved. While modern consumption often involves chewing the nuts with lime to enhance effects, these ancient findings suggest a precursor method of sucking on the nuts. Researchers also noted that the nuts' numbing properties may have been used to alleviate tooth pain, though long-term use likely caused significant dental damage.