Sex, warfare, and achieving intense states of intoxication have been enduring interests of society for the past 60,000 years. Despite the changing landscape of society, these pursuits have remained constant. In the realm of recreational drug use, there is currently a wealth of options available to those seeking altered states of consciousness. However, this abundance of choices comes with its own set of consequences, including public health risks and societal issues related to the drug trade.
Throughout history, humans have sought out ways to alter their consciousness through various substances. From ancient times to the present day, the desire to experience altered states of mind has been a consistent thread in human culture. Scholars specializing in the history of drugs have traced the roots of recreational drug use back to the earliest days of human existence.
Alcohol is often cited as one of the oldest recreational drugs used by humans, with evidence of its consumption dating back tens of thousands of years. Other substances, such as Ephedra and hallucinogenic mushrooms, have also been identified as potential candidates for the world’s oldest recreational drugs. These substances were not only used for recreational purposes but also played important roles in religious and spiritual practices.
While the use of psychoactive substances for recreational purposes has a long history, the concept of recreational drug-taking as we know it today did not truly emerge until the 19th century. Prior to this time, substances like alcohol, opium, cannabis, and nicotine were primarily used for religious and medicinal purposes. It was not until the 19th century that recreational drug-taking became more prevalent in Western societies.
Overall, the history of recreational drug use is a complex and multifaceted topic that spans thousands of years and various cultures. From ancient rituals involving psychoactive substances to modern-day recreational drug use, the desire to alter consciousness has been a fundamental aspect of human experience.