Image by Fakhri 'Scientists Discover the Earliest Evidence of Drug Use in Really Old Teeth' may sound like odd headline language, at least by the traditional standards of the New York Times. But then, the teeth in question are, indeed, really old.

Scientists say ancient people may have used a nut with psychoactive properties for pain relief.

Betel nut, one of the most commonly used drugs in the world, appears to have an ancient history.