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Ancient humans used psychoactive drugs dating back to the Ice Age, study finds

NPR Science · September 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM

Ancient humans used psychoactive drugs dating back to the Ice Age, study finds

A new study on ancient human remains finds evidence for the habitual use of betel nuts, dating back to the Ice Age.

The finding offers some of the oldest archaeological evidence of psychoactive drug use, and potential insights into how use of betel nuts, now popular for their stimulant effects, evol

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Ancient humans used psychoactive drugs dating back to the Ice Age, study finds

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