NPR: psychoactive drugs https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=750789489 psychoactive drugs en Copyright 2024 NPR - For Personal Use Only Story API Shim 1.2.24 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 18:42:01 -0400 https://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/primary/npr_generic_image_300.jpg?s=200 NPR: psychoactive drugs https://www.npr.org/tags/750789489/psychoactive-drugs Betel nuts are a top mind-affecting substance. Now there's evidence of ancient use New research on ancient human remains suggests the habitual usage of betel nuts, a plant seed with mind-affecting properties that is popular in parts of Asia despite the health risks it presents. Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:21:56 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/09/19/g-s1-144054/ancient-teeth-betel-nuts-mind-altering-drugs https://www.npr.org/2026/09/19/g-s1-144054/ancient-teeth-betel-nuts-mind-altering-drugs

New research on ancient human remains suggests the habitual usage of betel nuts, a plant seed with mind-affecting properties that is popular in parts of Asia despite the health risks it presents.

(Image credit: Claire Harbage/NPR)

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