---
title: "Evidence of 25,000-year-old drug use found in Indonesia"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/tech/evidence-of-25000-year-old-drug-use-found-in-indonesia"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/evidence-of-25000-year-old-drug-use-found-in-indonesia"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/tech/evidence-of-25000-year-old-drug-use-found-in-indonesia.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/evidence-of-25000-year-old-drug-use-found-in-indonesia"
category: "Science & Tech"
area: "Asia-Pacific"
published: "2026-09-16T13:05:27.634Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-13T20:03:12.803Z"
updated: "2026-09-16T13:05:27.634Z"
trust_score: 30
critic_score: 50
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-16T15:00:09.629836+00:00"
---

# Evidence of 25,000-year-old drug use found in Indonesia

*Researchers found traces of betel nut consumption in prehistoric human remains, suggesting earlier use of psychoactive substances.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 30 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to "researchers" and "scientists" without naming specific individuals or institutions.
- Craft 50 of 100, higher is better. The digests agree on the core facts, but lack specific details about the research methodology or findings.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use phrases like "Oldest Known Drug Use" and "mind-bending drugs" to create a sense of sensationalism.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Evidence of habitual drug use has been found in prehistoric human remains in Indonesia.
- The findings suggest drug use dates back approximately 25,000 years, predating agriculture.
- The drug use is linked to the consumption of betel nuts.
- This discovery indicates that humans may have been using psychoactive substances much earlier than previously believed.

Researchers have found evidence of habitual drug use in prehistoric human remains from Indonesia. The findings suggest this drug use dates back approximately 25,000 years, predating the development of agriculture. The consumption is linked to betel nuts, a psychoactive substance.

## Coverage comparison

Digests from 28 outlets reported on the discovery of prehistoric drug use in Indonesia. The majority of these reports, 21 in total, were rated as centre-leaning. Nine reports were rated as left-leaning, and nine were rated as right-leaning. Six reports were unrated.

## Omissions

None of the left-rated digests mentioned the potential for the drug use to have trapped prehistoric foragers in a 'vicious cycle'. None of the right-rated digests mentioned the potential for the drug use to have trapped prehistoric foragers in a 'vicious cycle'.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 78 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 27% (21)
- Centre: 41% (32)
- Right: 32% (25)

58 of 136 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-16T15:00:09.629836+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 8 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-16T15:15:11.247Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Seven left-rated digests focused on the age of the discovery and the nature of the substance used. Several reports highlighted that the use of psychoactive substances dates back 25,000 years, predating agriculture. The substance identified was betel nut. Some digests mentioned the potential for this to be the oldest evidence of regular use of a psychoactive substance. One digest stated that researchers found evidence of drug use 25,000 years ago, and another noted that humans may have been using stimulant substances as far back as 25,000 years, according to a study.

### Centre

- Seven centre-rated digests highlighted the age of the discovery and the potential implications for understanding early human behaviour. Many reports noted that the prehistoric remains found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi indicate that humans began using a mind-altering drug thousands of years earlier than previously believed. Several digests mentioned that the betel nut, a fruit seed from the areca palm, is considered the fourth most widely used psychoactive substance globally. Some digests also suggested that this use may have trapped prehistoric foragers in a 'vicious cycle'.

### Right

- Seven right-rated digests focused on the age of the discovery and the fact that humans were using drugs 25,000 years ago. Several reports stated that the oldest evidence of drug use has been found, dating back 25,000 years. The substance identified was betel nut, and some digests noted that this use predates farming. One digest mentioned that we were already using drugs 25,000 years ago, with traces of betel nut use visible on teeth from Indonesian remains. Another digest stated that people were intoxicated with a popular substance 25,000 years ago, with scientists finding evidence.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 9
- high: 54
- unknown: 57
- veryHigh: 15

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/sz-spezial/natur/forscher-entdecken-drogenkonsum-bei-25000-jahre-alten-menschen_aid-154763243) — Teeth Show Clear Results: People in the Ice Age Used Drugs 25,000 Years Ago
- [realnarrativenews.com](https://realnarrativenews.com/editorial/oldest-evidence-human-drug-use-betel-nut-sulawesi) — 25,000-Year-Old Teeth Reveal the Oldest Known Drug Use
- [Dagens Nyheter.](https://dn.se/varlden/aldsta-drogfyndet-nagonsin-kan-vara-25-000-ar-gammalt) — Oldest Drug Discovery Ever – May Be 25,000 Years Old
- [Salud a Diario](https://saludadiario.es/salud-publica/hallan-pruebas-de-que-los-humanos-consumian-drogas-en-la-edad-de-hielo) — They Found Evidence that Humans Used Drugs in the Ice Age.
- [Iatropedia](https://iatropedia.gr/ygeia/psychotropes-ousies-i-chrisi-tous-archise-prin-apo-25-000-chronia-apokalyptei-nea-meleti/229563) — Psychotropic Substances: Their Use Began 25,000 Years Ago, New Study Reveals
- [KEZI 9 News](https://kezi.com/news/spanish/el-consumo-de-drogas-m-s-antiguo-conocido-pudo-haber-atrapado-a-los-recolectores-prehist/article_4e8626f2-0cd3-5cd3-8bcd-fe34c0360bd6.html) — The Oldest Known Drug Use Could Have Trapped Prehistoric Collectors in a "Vicious Circle"
- [Local 3 News](https://local3news.com/regional-national/en-espanol/el-consumo-de-drogas-m-s-antiguo-conocido-pudo-haber-atrapado-a-los-recolectores-prehist/article_6da602a6-2b97-5ac6-a14e-f09ca0f8d1be.html) — The Oldest Known Drug Use Could Have Trapped Prehistoric Collectors in a "Vicious Circle"
- [WXOW](https://wxow.com/news/spanish/el-consumo-de-drogas-m-s-antiguo-conocido-pudo-haber-atrapado-a-los-recolectores-prehist/article_73eb48cc-98d3-54d0-947f-af143c718747.html) — The Oldest Known Drug Use Could Have Trapped Prehistoric Collectors in a "Vicious Circle"
- [TA3.com](https://ta3.com/clanok/1070795/uz-praveki-ludia-spadli-do-drogovej-pasce-latka-proti-bolesti-im-znicila-zuby-a-spustila-zacarovany-kruh-zavislosti) — ​Prehistoric People Fell Into the Drug Trap. The Painkiller Ruined Their Teeth and Triggered a Vicious Cycle of Addiction
- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/life-inedit/descoperire-istorica-consumul-de-droguri-a-inceput-cu-mii-de-ani-mai-devreme-decat-se-credea-23806208) — Historical Discovery: Drug Use Began Thousands of Years Earlier than Thought
- [Rzeczpospolita](https://rp.pl/nauka/art45124541-ludzie-odurzali-sie-popularna-substancja-25-tys-lat-temu-naukowcy-znalezli-dowod) — People Were Intoxicated with a Popular Substance 25,000 Years Ago. Scientists Have Found Evidence
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/09/earliest-known-drug-use-may-have-trapped-prehistoric-foragers-in-a-vicious-cycle) — Earliest known drug use may have trapped prehistoric foragers in a ‘vicious cycle’ – WTOP News
- [antena3.ro](https://antena3.ro/life/stiinta/un-nou-studiu-arata-ca-oamenii-foloseau-droguri-mult-mai-devreme-decat-se-credea-ce-este-nuca-de-betel-si-la-ce-era-folosita-802995.html) — A New Study Shows that People Used Drugs Much Earlier than They Thought. What Is the Betelnut and What It Was Used For
- [Il Sole 24 Ore](https://ilsole24ore.com/art/l-uomo-faceva-uso-sostanze-psicoattive-gia-25mila-anni-fa-AJszfVBB) — Millennial Use of Betel Nut: Traces of Psychoactive Substances on Human Teeth 6,300-25,000 Years Ago
- [unn.ua](https://unn.ua/news/na-ostrovi-v-indonezii-znaishly-naidavnishi-dokazy-rehuliarnoho-vzhyvannia-psykhoaktyvnoi-rechovyny) — The Oldest Evidence of Regular Use of a Psychoactive Substance Has Been Found on an Island in Indonesia
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/article/earliest-known-drug-use-may-have-trapped-prehistoric-foragers-in-a-vicious-cycle) — Earliest known drug use may have trapped prehistoric foragers in a ‘vicious cycle’
- [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/09/12/science/25000-year-old-caveman-remains-reveal-ancient-hallucinogenic-drug-use) — 25,000-year-old caveman remains reveal mind-altering drug use much longer than previously thought
- [archaeologymag.com](https://archaeologymag.com/2026/09/oldest-habitual-drug-use-found-in-indonesia/?sfnsn=wiwspwa) — World’s oldest evidence of habitual drug use found in 25,000-year-old teeth in Indonesia by Dario Radley September 10, 2026
- [CNN](https://cnn.com/2026/09/12/science/betel-nut-prehistoric-use) — Commonly used psychoactive substance may have prehistoric origins
- [KESQ](https://kesq.com/cnn-other/2026/09/12/one-of-the-most-popular-mind-altering-stimulants-has-prehistoric-roots) — One of the most popular mind-altering stimulants has prehistoric roots
- [KEYT](https://keyt.com/news/national-world/cnn-other/2026/09/12/one-of-the-most-popular-mind-altering-stimulants-has-prehistoric-roots) — One of the most popular mind-altering stimulants has prehistoric roots
- [KIFI](https://localnews8.com/cnn-other/2026/09/12/one-of-the-most-popular-mind-altering-stimulants-has-prehistoric-roots) — One of the most popular mind-altering stimulants has prehistoric roots
- [KMIZ](https://abc17news.com/cnn-other/2026/09/12/one-of-the-most-popular-mind-altering-stimulants-has-prehistoric-roots) — Earliest known drug use may have trapped prehistoric foragers in a ‘vicious cycle’
- [KRDO](https://krdo.com/news/2026/09/12/one-of-the-most-popular-mind-altering-stimulants-has-prehistoric-roots) — One of the most popular mind-altering stimulants has prehistoric roots
- [KVIA](https://kvia.com/cnn-other/2026/09/12/one-of-the-most-popular-mind-altering-stimulants-has-prehistoric-roots) — One of the most popular mind-altering stimulants has prehistoric roots
- [kioncentralcoast.com](https://kioncentralcoast.com/cnn-other/2026/09/12/one-of-the-most-popular-mind-altering-stimulants-has-prehistoric-roots) — Earliest known drug use may have trapped prehistoric foragers in a ‘vicious cycle’
- [blitzquotidiano.it](https://blitzquotidiano.it/scienza-e-tecnologia/luomo-si-drogava-gia-25mila-anni-fa-cosa-e-stato-trovato-sui-denti-di-alcuni-cacciatori-raccoglitori-3801570) — The Man Was Already "Drugged" 25 Thousand Years Ago, What Was Found on the Teeth of some Hunters-Gatherers
- [The CSR Journal](https://thecsrjournal.in/ancient-humans-may-have-used-betel-nuts-to-get-high-25000-years-ago) — Ancient Humans May Have Used Betel Nuts to Get High 25,000 Years Ago
- [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/science/story/ancient-humans-betel-nut-use-indonesia-archaeology-supari-2992945-2026-09-12) — Drugs before farming: Humans were getting high 25,000 years ago, scientists find
- [BNR Nieuwsradio](https://bnr.nl/nieuws/nieuws-politiek/10610151/ook-25-000-jaar-geleden-gebruikten-we-al-drugs) — We Were Already Using Drugs 25,000 Years Ago.
- [www.dnevnik.bg](https://dnevnik.bg/sviat/2026/09/12/4954832_novo_prouchvane_pokaza_kolko_otdavna_horata_sa_vzemali/?ref=rss) — New Study Shows How Long People Have Been Taking Psychoactive Substances
- [themondonews.com](https://themondonews.com/science/ancient-teeth-reveal-humans-were-using-drugs-25000-years-ago) — Ancient teeth reveal humans were using drugs 25,000 years ago
- [Folha de S.Paulo](https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/equilibrioesaude/2026/09/a-evidencia-mais-antiga-de-uso-de-droga-psicoativa.shtml) — The Oldest Evidence of Use of Psychoactive Drugs - 11/09/2026 - Equilibrio E Saúde
- [Boing Boing](https://boingboing.net/2026/09/11/fountain-pen-betel-nut-malaysia.html) — Researchers found evidence of drug use 25,000 years ago
- [CHOCHILINO](https://chochilino.com/drug-use-may-have-begun-25000-years-ago-in-indonesia-research-finds) — CHOCHILINO Drug use may have begun 25,000 years ago in Indonesia, research finds %
- [tvp.info](https://tvp.info/95344647/substancje-psychoaktywne-sprzed-tysiecy-lat-czlonkowie-spolecznosci-lowcow-zbieraczy-odurzali-sie-nasionami-areki) — This Is How People Intoxicated Themselves Thousands of Years Ago. The Oldest Traces Have Been Found.
- [Archaeology](https://archaeology.org/news/2026/09/11/indonesian-hunter-gatherers-may-have-treated-toothaches-with-betel-nuts) — Indonesian Hunter-Gatherers May Have Treated Toothaches with Betel Nuts - Archaeology Magazine
- [RayHaber](https://rayhaber.com/2026/09/arastirma-uyarici-madde-kullanimi-25-bin-yil-oncesine-kadar-gidiyor) — Research: Stimulant Use Dates Back 25,000 Years
- [Deutsche Welle](https://dw.com/pt-br/a-evid%C3%AAncia-mais-antiga-de-uso-de-droga-psicoativa/a-79237279) — The Oldest Evidence of Psychoactive Drug Use
- [Cumhuriyet](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/bilim-teknoloji/arastirmaya-gore-uyarici-madde-tuketimi-25-bin-yil-oncesine-kadar-uzaniyor-2536803) — According to the Research, the Consumption of Stimulant Substances Dates Back 25,000 Years.
- [nordisch.info](https://nordisch.info/archaeologie-geschichte/aelteste-drogen-der-welt-entdeckt-an-25-000-jahre-alten-zaehnen) — Oldest Drugs Discovered in the World - on 25,000 Years Old Teeth
- [scientias.nl](https://scientias.nl/al-25-000-jaar-geleden-werden-onze-voorouders-high-oudste-bewijs-voor-drugsgebruik-ooit-gevonden) — Our Ancestors Got High as Early as 25,000 Years Ago: Oldest Evidence of Drug Use Ever Found
- [Unknown](https://english.pravda.ru/news/science/168803-paleolithic-stimulant-use) — Ancient Sulawesi Teeth Reveal Early Human Use of Areca Nut
- [Terra](https://terra.com.br/vida-e-estilo/a-evidencia-mais-antiga-de-uso-de-droga-psicoativa,ce9987a742b691dd60a47731a9f8402858vpnikd.html) — The Oldest Evidence of Psychoactive Drug Use
- [Smithsonian Mag](https://smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-discover-the-worlds-oldest-evidence-of-habitual-drug-use-in-the-teeth-of-a-hunter-gatherer-who-lived-up-to-25000-years-ago-180989485) — 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
- [NRC Handelsblad](https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/09/11/spacen-in-het-pleistoceen-onderzoekers-vinden-bewijs-voor-drugsgebruik-bij-25-duizend-jaar-oude-jager-verzamelaars-a4936404) — Spacing Out in the Pleistocene? Researchers Find Evidence of ‘Drug Use’ Among 25,000-Year-Old Hunter-Gatherers.
- [iatronet.gr](https://iatronet.gr/article/142764/h-hrhsh-narkotikon-mporei-na-xekinhse-25000-hronia-prin-sthn-indonhsia) — Drug Use May Have Begun 25,000 Years Ago in Indonesia
- [Brighter Side News](https://thebrighterside.news/post/25000-year-old-teeth-may-reveal-the-worlds-earliest-evidence-of-drug-use) — 25,000-year-old teeth may reveal the world’s earliest evidence of drug use
- [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://augsburger-allgemeine.de/sport/schon-vor-20-000-jahren-berauschten-sich-unsere-vorfahren-115228890) — Why the Floss of the Betel Nut Is Clearly Superior
- [The Debrief](https://thedebrief.org/25000-years-ago-the-earliest-human-drug-use-may-have-occurred-on-this-small-island) — 25,000 Years Ago, the Earliest Human Drug Use May Have Occurred on This Small Island
- [Metrópoles](https://metropoles.com/ciencia/estudo-revela-que-seres-humanos-usam-drogas-ha-pelo-menos-25-mil-anos) — Study Reveals that Humans Have Been Using Drugs for at Least 25,000 Years
- [Open Culture](https://openculture.com/2026/09/scientists-discover-the-earliest-evidence-of-drug-use-in-25000-year-old-teeth.html) — Scientists Discover the Earliest Evidence of Drug Use in 25,000-Year-Old Teeth
- [dongascience.com](https://dongascience.com/en/news/79835) — Humans on Sulawesi used betel nut as a psychoactive drug 25,000 years ago
- [theliberationnews.ng](https://theliberationnews.ng/2026/09/drug-use-may-have-begun-25000-years-ago-in-indonesia-research-finds) — Drug Use May Have Begun 25,000 Years Ago In Indonesia, Research Finds
- [Gazeta.ua](https://gazeta.ua/articles/history/_vcheni-viyavili-najdavnishi-dokazi-regulyarnogo-vzhivannya-narkotichnoyi-roslini/1258423) — Scientists Have Discovered the Oldest Evidence of Regular Use of a Narcotic Plant
- [wissenschaft.de](https://wissenschaft.de/artikel/schon-steinzeit-sammler-konsumierten-drogen) — Already Steinzeit Collectors Used Drugs
- [thairath.co.th](https://thairath.co.th/news/foreign/2958923) — Research Suggests that Humans May Have Been Using Psychoactive Substances for as Long as 25,000 Years, the Oldest Known Uses.
- [NOS](https://nos.nl/artikel/2630512-drugsgebruik-in-het-pleistoceen-oudste-aanwijzing-in-indonesie-ontdekt) — Drug Use in the Pleistocene: Oldest Evidence Discovered in Indonesia
- [Ecopolitic](https://ecopolitic.ro/un-studiu-descopera-cele-mai-vechi-dovezi-ale-consumului-regulat-de-droguri) — A Study Discovers the Oldest Evidence of Regular Drug Use
- [ABC FOX Montana](https://montanarightnow.com/national_news/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_95c4dbd4-086b-5581-96c3-55f034c68746.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Ashley County Ledger](https://ashleycountyledger.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_6690b3c5-9fd2-5a53-a36b-941f441c1378.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Daily Journal](https://djournal.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_540816cd-2cd1-5cb4-94a5-fd6edb351901.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Daily Post-Athenian](https://dailypostathenian.com/news/national/article_cdbb8f54-61b1-5ded-90f7-a886439cc718.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Fairfield Sun Times](https://fairfieldsuntimes.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_0181fd82-e9b3-54d3-80df-dafbe26c1bf5.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [KTBS](https://ktbs.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_f172adfb-0cbc-583f-b3e5-fb55b53c30f3.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [KULR-TV](https://kulr8.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_7f564967-37f1-57ad-8b0e-e28fbe313a89.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Pacific Daily News](https://guampdn.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_dab2a633-a130-5fd5-813f-df56cf46610e.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Princeton Clarion](https://pdclarion.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_c3b4512b-dd50-54f2-a624-3f6856cbcdbd.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Purdue Exponent](https://purdueexponent.org/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_cf97d43c-c24c-539b-8e66-8613d101a16b.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Rochester Sentinel](https://rochsent.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_870f694b-eebc-50e6-8f9d-c77a5dcd8031.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [SF Weekly](https://sfweekly.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_e434bf03-2a54-5c9d-aaa1-a4bd606bcf3f.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Shelby News](https://shelbynews.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_b2fa8647-d92c-55bd-9016-962f79c97d29.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Sunnyside Sun](https://sunnysidesun.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_7a24bca8-6214-5800-a1a6-8a5dc9d4e903.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Conway Daily Sun](https://conwaydailysun.com/around_the_web/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_b0b91ce7-9c17-5fbd-ba7e-f1a635bf7d9c.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Courier-Times](https://thecouriertimes.com/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_351d1c57-ccfe-5cad-be2b-a6f71bd0a2df.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Daily Courier](https://thedigitalcourier.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_c926139e-80ec-54f9-be5d-c48e842c9eb8.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Elkhart Truth](https://elkharttruth.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_8770451f-d0c7-5e54-8b7a-c26781f8eea9.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel](https://gjsentinel.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_b53a582d-2876-5c4d-8420-eb7e6e7c8467.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Guam Daily Post](https://postguam.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_54857f85-6bad-588e-b796-3409a1b68ca8.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Herald Palladium](https://heraldpalladium.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_2420cac1-9187-5b58-9903-646d241d5776.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Mountain Press](https://themountainpress.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_aa41274b-7cf7-52fd-9497-0dd8bc5b956f.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Paintsville Herald](https://paintsvilleherald.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_adf9d62c-60b8-5530-b566-680981b6513e.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [The Penn](https://thepenn.org/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_63bfaf53-7a87-51f0-8724-0ffbf1dbb076.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [WVII / Fox Bangor](https://foxbangor.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_77dd122b-fa0e-5ae1-874e-9e20f959aec5.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [Webster County Citizen](https://webstercountycitizen.com/news/national/article_a12a604e-4ea2-5f87-b97c-8fc72f9fadff.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [charitonleader.com](https://charitonleader.com/news/national/article_ea2eccd9-05ef-550a-9c6d-a72a841336ac.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [gonzagabulletin.com](https://gonzagabulletin.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_fcf4ef69-2821-595d-b592-495b139908f8.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [griffonnews.com](https://griffonnews.com/news/nation/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_36fee5cc-ae2a-5fb4-874b-14dd24031eec.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [hazard-herald.com](https://hazard-herald.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_7b43b416-3c9f-535e-976e-805fe089111b.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [iosconews.com](https://iosconews.com/news/nation/article_54733bde-2477-528c-bec1-1e2fc876e0a4.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [stonecountyenterprise.com](https://stonecountyenterprise.com/news/national/people-got-high-on-mind-bending-drugs-much-earlier-than-initially-believed/article_865787f0-4ca9-5011-873c-12c7c08d76e2.html) — People got high on mind-bending drugs much earlier than initially believed
- [ZME Science](https://zmescience.com/science/news-science/earliest-human-drug-use-ever-found) — Earliest Human Drug Use Ever Found Shows People in Indonesia Were Getting High on Betel Nut as Far Back as 25,000 Years Ago
- [theghanareport.com](https://theghanareport.com/world/drug-use-may-have-begun-25000-years-ago-in-indonesia-research-finds) — Drug use may have begun 25,000 years ago in Indonesia, research finds - The Ghana Report
- [tovima.com](https://tovima.com/science/worlds-oldest-known-drug-use-traced-to-ice-age-indonesia) — World's Oldest Known Drug Use Traced To Ice Age Indonesia
- [Telegrafi](https://telegrafi.com/hulumtimet-tregojne-se-perdorimi-i-droges-mund-te-kete-filluar-25-000-vjet-me-pare-ne-indonezi) — Research Shows that Drug Use May Have Begun 25,000 Years Ago in Indonesia
- [Newser](https://newser.com/story/396212/ancient-teeth-reveal-evidence-of-drug-use-and-addiction.html) — It's Oldest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use—and the Damage
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/arastirmaya-gore-uyarici-madde-tuketimi-25-bin-yil-20226351-haberi) — According to the Research, the Consumption of Stimulant Substances May Date Back 25,000 Years.
- [SIC Notícias](https://sicnoticias.pt/ciencia/2026-09-10-uso-de-drogas-pode-ser-muito-mais-antigo-do-que-se-pensava-descoberta-na-indonesia-aponta-para-ha-25-mil-anos-38f92a41) — Drug Use May Be Much Older than Thought: Discovery in Indonesia Points to 25,000 Years Ago
- [Futura](https://futura-sciences.com/sciences/actualites/homme-on-ne-pensait-pas-usage-drogues-aussi-ancien-leurs-dents-pourries-revelent-ce-quils-consommaient-il-y-25-000-ans-137665) — One Did Not Think the Use of Drugs as Ancient: Their Teeth "...
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/world/drug-use-may-date-back-25-000-years-study/4053453) — Drug Use May Date Back 25,000 Years: Study
- [Courrier international](https://courrierinternational.com/article/archeologie-des-dents-de-squelettes-prouvent-qu-on-se-droguait-il-y-a-25-000-ans_269651) — Skeletal Teeth Prove You Were Being Drugged 25,000 Years Ago
- [WTX News](https://wtxnews.com/scientists-uncover-evidence-of-early-psychoactive-drug-use-in-indonesia) — Scientists uncover evidence of early psychoactive drug use in Indonesia
- [Metro News](https://metro.co.uk/2026/09/10/scientists-find-first-known-humans-use-psychoactive-drugs-29579444) — Scientists find the 'first known humans' to use psychoactive drugs
- [Daily Sabah](https://dailysabah.com/life/health/study-traces-habitual-drug-use-back-25000-years-in-indonesia) — Study traces habitual drug use back 25,000 years in Indonesia
- [studyfinds.com](https://studyfinds.com/humanitys-oldest-drug-habit-ice-age) — Ancient Teeth Trace One Of Humanity's Oldest Drug Habits To The Ice Age
- [Arkeofili](https://arkeofili.com/en-eski-uyusturucu-kullanimi-25-000-yil-oncesine-uzandi) — The Earliest Records of Drug Use Date Back 25,000 Years.
- [Die Presse](https://diepresse.com/41250206/schon-vor-25000-jahren-die-aelteste-droge-der-welt) — 25,000 Years Ago: the Oldest Drug in the World?
- [BBC News](https://bbc.com/news/articles/cd792nll91eo) — Drug use may have begun 25,000 years ago, new research finds
- [dnews.gr](https://dnews.gr/eidhseis/ygeia/609532/erevnites-entopisan-tis-palaioteres-endeikseis-xrisis-narkotikon-ston-kosmo-prin-apo-25-000-xronia) — Researchers Have Found the Oldest Evidence of Drug Use in the World, Dating Back 25,000 Years.
- [IFLScience](https://iflscience.com/25000-year-old-addict-with-a-betel-nut-habit-is-the-earliest-evidence-yet-of-drug-use-in-humans-84607) — 25,000-Year-Old "Addict" With A Betel Nut Habit Is The Earliest Evidence Yet Of Drug Use In Humans
- [franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/sciences/des-archeologues-decouvrent-la-plus-ancienne-trace-de-consommation-de-plantes-psychoactives-chez-des-humains-il-y-a-pres-de-25-000-ans_8186111.html) — Archaeologists Discover "the Oldest Trace of Psychoactive Plant Consumption" in Humans Nearly 25,000 Years Ago
- [The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/ancient-teeth-reveal-the-ice-age-origins-of-the-worlds-4th-most-common-addictive-drug-285790) — Ancient teeth reveal the Ice Age origins of the world’s 4th most common addictive drug
- [omniletters.com](https://omniletters.com/uso-de-betel-ha-25-mil-anos) — Study Reveals Use of Betel by Hunter-Gatherers 25,000 Years Ago
- [La Brújula Verde](https://labrujulaverde.com/2026/09/antes-de-la-cerveza-y-mucho-antes-de-la-agricultura-asi-se-drogaban-los-cazadores-de-la-edad-de-hielo) — Before Beer and Long Before Agriculture: This Is How the Hunters of the Ice Age Were Drugged
- [scinexx.de](https://scinexx.de/?p=316640) — Even in the Ice Age, Stone Age People Used Drugs
- [Science](https://science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aei1901) — Betel nut sucking is the earliest recorded evidence for the habitual use of a neuroactive plant drug
- [LiFO](https://lifo.gr/now/entertainment/indonisia-trofosyllektes-endehetai-na-etrogan-karpoys-me-psyhodrastikes-idiotites) — Indonesia: Foragers May Have Eaten Fruits with Psychoactive Properties 25,000 Years Ago
- [Newcastle Herald](https://newcastleherald.com.au/story/9347880/ancient-teeth-show-drugs-used-earlier-than-thought) — Ancient teeth show drugs used earlier than thought
- [The Examiner](https://examiner.com.au/story/9347880/ancient-teeth-show-drugs-used-earlier-than-thought) — Ancient teeth show drugs used earlier than thought
- [20minutos](https://20minutos.es/ciencia/ser-humano-ya-habria-usado-drogas-hace-unos-25-000-anos-forma-nueces-betel_7034915_0.html) — The Human Being Would Have Used Drugs About 25,000 Years Ago, in the Form of Betel Nuts.
- [Halk TV](https://halktv.com.tr/bilim-ve-teknoloji/en-eski-uyusturucu-kullanicilari-bulundu-25-bin-yillik-iskeletten-cikti-1054108h) — The Earliest Drug Users Have Been Found: Unearthed From a 25,000-Year-Old Skeleton.
- [elDiarioAR](https://eldiarioar.com/sociedad/marcas-dientes-situan-primer-consumo-drogas-humanidad-25-000-anos-indonesia_1_13498974.html) — Teeth Marks Place Mankind's First Drug Use 25,000 Years Ago in Indonesia
- [nplus1.ru](https://nplus1.ru/news/2026/09/09/earliest-human-drug-use) — In Indonesia, They Found the Oldest Junkie.
- [The Telegraph](https://telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/09/ice-age-humans-were-using-psychedelic-drugs-science) — Ice Age Humans Were Using Psychedelic Drugs
- [Haaretz](https://haaretz.com/archaeology/2026-09-09/ty-article-magazine/earliest-known-drug-use-and-its-consequences-discovered-in-indonesia/000001a0-86b7-d865-abbd-d7b7b7030000) — Earliest known drug use and its consequences discovered in Indonesia
- [ABC Australia](https://abc.net.au/news/science/2026-09-10/earliest-evidence-of-human-drug-use-discovered-in-indonesia/107130656) — Betel nut traces in 25,000-year-old teeth point to early human drug use
- [Ara.cat](https://ara.cat/cultura/historia/25-000-anys-ja-consumia-drogues-mes-populars-mon_1_5844561.html) — One of the Most Popular Drugs in the World Was Already Being Consumed 25,000 Years Ago
- [abc](https://abc.es/ciencia/humanos-drogamos-primera-vez-25000-anos-chupando-20260908200009-nt.html) — Sucking Stimulating Nuts, Humanity's First Place 25,000 Years Ago
- [Eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/sociedad/marcas-dientes-situan-primer-consumo-drogas-humanidad-25-000-anos-indonesia_1_13496917.html) — Teeth Marks Place Mankind's First Drug Use 25,000 Years Ago in Indonesia
- [RTVI](https://rtvi.com/news/uchenye-uvideli-kak-vyglyadeli-drevnejshie-narkomany) — Scientists Have Seen What the World's Oldest Drug Addicts Looked Like.
- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-09-ice-age-humanity-oldest-drug.html) — Ice Age origins of one of humanity's oldest drug habits discovered
- [El Mundo](https://elmundo.es/ciencia/2026/09/09/6aa1466bfdddff395b8b4595.html) — Betel Nut, the First Drug Used by Humans: It Was Consumed in Indonesia 25,000 Years Ago
- [Live Science](https://livescience.com/archaeology/worlds-oldest-evidence-of-habitual-drug-use-traced-back-25-000-years-to-indonesia) — World's oldest evidence of habitual drug use traced back 25,000 years to Indonesia
- [NewScientist](https://newscientist.com/article/2588277-earliest-evidence-of-habitual-drug-use-found-in-teeth-in-indonesia) — Earliest evidence of habitual drug use found in teeth in Indonesia
- [Science Daily](https://sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250801020102.htm) — 4,000-year-old teeth reveal the earliest human high — Hidden in plaque
- [El Diario](https://diario.mx/escaparate/2026/sep/09/cientificos-descubren-la-evidencia-mas-antigua-de-consumo-de-drogas-en-dientes-muy-antiguos-1137524.html) — Scientists Discover the Oldest Evidence of Drug Use in Very Old Teeth

## Questions

**How old is the evidence of drug use found in Indonesia?**

Researchers have found evidence of habitual drug use in prehistoric human remains from Indonesia that dates back approximately 25,000 years. This predates agriculture and suggests humans may have been using psychoactive substances much earlier than previously believed.

**What substance is linked to the prehistoric drug use?**

The drug use found in prehistoric human remains from Indonesia is linked to the consumption of betel nuts. This substance is known to have psychoactive effects.

**What is the significance of this discovery?**

The discovery of 25,000-year-old evidence of drug use in Indonesia is significant because it suggests that humans may have been using psychoactive substances much earlier than previously understood, predating agriculture and other major developments in human history.

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MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/tech/evidence-of-25000-year-old-drug-use-found-in-indonesia. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Evidence of 25,000-year-old drug use found in Indonesia", https://mediabias.news/tech/evidence-of-25000-year-old-drug-use-found-in-indonesia