Substance Use Throughout History

Understanding the history of substance use requires delving deep into the past, from the earliest civilizations to the modern era. The use of substances, both for medicinal and recreational purposes, has been a part of human culture for thousands of years.

Early Evidence of Substance Use

The earliest evidence of substance use can be traced back to the Neolithic period, when humans began to utilize plants for medicinal purposes. For instance, ancient civilizations used opium to alleviate pain, while cannabis was prescribed by the Greeks for a range of medical conditions.

Alcohol consumption is another significant aspect of early substance use. The earliest evidence of humans brewing beer from rice, grapes, and honey dates back to 7000 BC in China, making it one of the oldest and most widely used substances in human history.

Ancient Civilizations and Substance Use

Moving forward in time, ancient civilizations continued to use various substances for a variety of purposes. Opium, for instance, was widely used by the Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians to alleviate pain, while the Greeks used it as a sleep aid. This potent substance was known for its powerful effects and was an integral part of the medical practices of these civilizations.

Cocaine, a powerful stimulant, has also been used by humans for thousands of years. The ancient Incas of South America used it for religious and medicinal purposes, while Europeans first began using it in the 19th century.

The use of these substances throughout history highlights the enduring relationship between humans and psychoactive substances. It's important to note that while these substances were used for legitimate purposes, their misuse has also been a part of human history, with the earliest recorded mention of addiction dating back to ancient Greece in the 4th century BC. This historical perspective provides a broader understanding of the dynamics of substance use and the challenges posed by addiction.

Evolution of Substance Use

The journey of substance use is as old as human civilization. It is a journey that has transformed over time, influenced by cultural norms, medicinal advances, and societal changes. From ancient times to the modern era, the patterns of substance use have evolved significantly.

From Ancient Times to Modern Era

The earliest evidence of substance use dates back to the Neolithic period when humans first began to use plants for medicinal purposes. For example, the Ancient Egyptians used opium to alleviate pain, while the Ancient Greeks prescribed cannabis for a range of medical conditions [1].

Alcohol, often considered one of the oldest substances used by humans, dates back to 7000 BC in China, when humans brewed beer from rice, grapes, and honey. This practice of brewing alcohol has continued through the centuries, and alcohol remains one of the most widely consumed substances in the world today.

Some substances have been used for medicinal purposes for most of human history. For instance, the medicinal use of opium is described from the earliest written records. The Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians used opium to alleviate pain, while the Greeks used it as a sleep aid [1].

Influence of Cultures on Substance Use

Cultures and epochs have greatly influenced the dominant patterns of substance use. The degree of a drug's acculturation was an important parameter in its usage. New World plants like tobacco and coca are relative newcomers to the Old World, while poppy and hemp originated in Eurasia.

Some potentially addictive drugs have been used by a significant proportion of the population in a socially approved way. Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine are examples of widely consumed drugs, palatable for their mild psychotropic properties [2].

Records from Herodotus describe the practices of the Scythians, a culture known for their enjoyment of cannabis smoke. When a Scythian died, their friends and family would burn hemp inside a tent, leading to the pleasure of those engulfed in the smoke [3].

Romans, like their Greek counterparts, enjoyed the psychoactive properties of hemp. They considered cannabis seeds a delicacy, frying and consuming them after dinner as dessert [3].

The history of substance use is not just a chronicle of human curiosity and exploration, but also a testament to our cultural and societal evolution. The way we perceive and utilize these substances today is a direct result of centuries of discovery, experimentation, and adaptation.

Notable Substances in History

When exploring the history of substance use, certain substances stand out due to their widespread historical usage and significant impacts. This section will delve into the historical uses of opium and the impact of cocaine.

Opium and its Historical Uses

Opium is a substance that has been used for medicinal purposes in various cultures for centuries. The ancient Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians used it to alleviate pain, while the Greeks used it as a sleep aid. Opium poppies are among the first psychoactive plants consumed by humans, with the earliest evidence of their usage found in Italy over 2,500 years ago. The artefactual evidence comes in the form of sphere-shaped pendants resembling opium capsules worn by women of the pre-Roman Dauni culture.

The Ancient Egyptians also used opium to alleviate pain. This historical use of opium underscores its powerful analgesic properties, which are still recognized in modern medicine today. However, the addictive potential of opium and its derivatives, such as morphine and heroin, have led to significant public health challenges.

Cocaine and its Impact

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that has been used by humans for thousands of years. The ancient Incas of South America used it for religious and medicinal purposes, while Europeans first began using it in the 19th century. The Incas would chew coca leaves, the plant from which cocaine is derived, to increase their stamina and to cope with the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains.

Despite its historical usage, cocaine has had a significant impact on society due to its potent psychoactive effects and high potential for addiction. Its widespread misuse in the 20th century led to numerous public health issues, including the spread of diseases through shared drug paraphernalia and an increase in drug-related crimes.

The history of substance use provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between humans and psychoactive substances. It underscores the importance of a balanced approach that recognizes the medicinal value of these substances while also addressing the potential risks associated with their misuse.

Famous Figures and Addiction

The history of substance use doesn't discriminate, impacting individuals from all walks of life, including the famous. Several well-known figures have publicly shared their struggles with addiction, bringing increased awareness to the issue. This section will outline the stories of three such individuals: Robert Downey Jr., Demi Lovato, and Ben Affleck.

Robert Downey Jr. and Substance Use

Best known for his roles in Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. had a notorious struggle with addiction. Introduced to marijuana by his father at the age of eight, Downey's drug use escalated to include heroin, alcohol, and cocaine. Multiple stints in treatment centers throughout the mid-1990s were part of Downey's journey toward sobriety. As of July 2003, he has maintained his sobriety, providing a testament to the possibility of recovery.

Demi Lovato's Struggles

Demi Lovato, a famous actress and musician, entered rehab at seventeen due to a cocaine addiction. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder later on, Lovato suffered a nearly fatal overdose in 2018 after a relapse. Despite these challenges, Lovato has used her experience to become an advocate for individuals dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Ben Affleck's Battle

Two-time Grammy-winning actor Ben Affleck has had his own struggles with substance use. Influenced by his father's alcoholism, Affleck grappled with alcohol abuse. Following a difficult divorce in 2018, he tried moderation, but ultimately, the recovery process proved to be the right path for him. Affleck has committed to maintaining his sobriety, motivated by his children.

These stories serve as reminders of the pervasive nature of addiction and the importance of seeking help. They also highlight that recovery is possible, regardless of how challenging the journey may be. The transparency of these famous figures in sharing their struggles contributes significantly to the conversation around substance use and the need for effective treatments.

Milestones in Understanding Addiction

The exploration of the historical context of substance use wouldn't be complete without examining the strides made in understanding addiction. This journey, from early research efforts to the impact of legislation on addiction studies, offers a comprehensive view of the evolution of our understanding of addiction.

Early Research Efforts

Attempts to understand the nature of illicit drug abuse and addiction can be traced back for centuries. One of the pioneers in this field was Dr. Benjamin Rush, a founder of the first medical school in the United States and a signer of the Declaration of Independence [5]. He was one of the first to dive into the research of drug abuse, despite the limited scientific resources available at the time.

During the early 1800s, substance use research took a significant step forward with the isolation of morphine from crude opium by F.W.A. Serturner, a German pharmacist. This discovery revolutionized pain control and opened up new avenues for research into addiction.

By the turn of the century, several new medical research issues had attracted investigators. These included communicable diseases, bacteria, and viruses; the immune system, and the rapidly developing fields of biochemistry and pharmacology. Researchers in the United States and abroad began applying these contemporary approaches to study illicit drug abuse, addiction, and its treatment.

Impact of Legislation on Addiction Studies

The field of addiction studies has significantly evolved over the years, largely due to legislative efforts. In the late 1960s, the Division of Narcotic Addiction and Drug Abuse (DNADA) was established within the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This division was tasked with overseeing research into drug abuse and addiction.

The establishment of DNADA signified a shift in the approach to understanding addiction, leading to the creation of dedicated institutions for this purpose. Eventually, the drug and alcohol divisions of NIMH evolved into the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

These institutions have played a crucial role in funding and promoting research into substance abuse and addiction. The increase in funding for drug abuse research since the 1960s has not only facilitated significant research but also helped shift popular and professional attitudes toward illicit drugs and drug users.

The history of substance use, from ancient times to the modern era, has been shaped by a diverse array of cultural, social, and legislative factors. The advancements in our understanding of addiction reflect the evolution of societal attitudes towards substance use, highlighting the importance of continued research and policy-making in this area.

References

[1]: https://www.townsendla.com/blog/history-of-substance-use

‍[2]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202501/

‍[3]: https://bigthink.com/the-past/history-of-drugs-ancient-greece-rome/

‍[4]: https://www.arrowpassage.com/fifteen-famous-people-who-struggled-with-addiction/

‍[5]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232965/