<< Web Picks >> Addiction in Ancient Times: What We Know
Submitted by Andy_B on Wednesday, 03 June 2026 Page Views: 47
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More and more people are suffering with alcohol and drug withdrawl in modern times, with addiction levels perhaps hitting a societal all-time high due to the accessibility of substances like booze, cocaine and opioids. That said, even in ancient civilisations across the world, people used intoxicating substances for medicine, religion, recreation, and social rituals.
While people in ancient times did not understand addiction in the scientific way we do today, historical records reveal that they recognised the dangers of excessive consumption and compulsive behaviour.
Early Use of Intoxicating Substances
Archaeological discoveries show that humans have consumed mind-altering substances since prehistoric times. Fermented drinks are believed to date back at least 9,000 years. Ancient societies in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and South America all produced forms of alcohol using grains, fruits, or honey.Alcohol played an important role in daily life. In Ancient Egypt, beer was considered a dietary staple and was consumed by adults and children alike. Wine was highly valued in Ancient Greece and Rome, often associated with wealth, celebration, and religious ceremonies. However, excessive drinking was also criticised. Greek philosophers such as Plato warned against drunkenness, believing it weakened moral judgement and social order.
Opium was another widely used substance in the ancient world. Derived from the poppy plant, it was used by the Sumerians as early as 3400 BCE and later spread through Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Ancient physicians prescribed opium to relieve pain, aid sleep, and calm emotional distress. Yet historical writings suggest that dependence on the substance was already recognised, even if it was not fully understood.
Religion and Ritual
Many ancient cultures used intoxicants in spiritual and religious practices. Shamans and priests often consumed hallucinogenic plants to enter altered states of consciousness. In parts of Central and South America, substances such as peyote and psilocybin mushrooms were believed to connect users with gods or spirits.In Ancient India, a sacred drink known as soma was described in religious texts called the Vedas. Although scholars still debate its exact ingredients, it was clearly regarded as powerful and mind-altering. Similarly, cannabis was used in religious ceremonies in India and parts of the Middle East for centuries.
Because these substances were tied to spirituality, their use was often controlled by ritual and tradition. This may have limited misuse in some societies, although there is evidence that some individuals still developed unhealthy patterns of consumption.
Gambling and Behavioural Addiction
Addiction in ancient times was not limited to substances. Gambling was common in many civilisations, including Ancient Rome and China. Dice games, betting on sporting contests, and other forms of wagering were popular forms of entertainment.Roman writers frequently complained about compulsive gamblers who lost fortunes and damaged family relationships. Although the concept of “behavioural addiction” did not exist, these accounts resemble modern descriptions of gambling addiction. Authorities sometimes attempted to regulate gambling through laws and restrictions, especially during religious festivals or public events.
Ancient Understanding of Addiction
Ancient societies generally viewed excessive behaviour as a moral weakness rather than a medical condition. Self-control was highly valued in cultures such as Greece and Rome. Philosophers including Aristotle promoted moderation in all things, arguing that balance was essential for a good life.Medical theories also shaped ancient ideas about addiction. Greek physician Hippocrates believed physical and mental illnesses were linked to imbalances in the body’s humours. Excessive drinking or drug use was therefore seen as harmful to both body and mind.
Despite lacking modern neuroscience, ancient observers clearly noticed the destructive effects of compulsive behaviour. Historical texts describe intoxication, dependency, withdrawal-like symptoms, and social decline caused by excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
What Ancient Addiction Tells Us
The history of addiction demonstrates that the human desire to escape pain, seek pleasure, or pursue altered states of consciousness is not new. Across cultures and centuries, people have turned to substances and behaviours that offered temporary relief or enjoyment, sometimes at great personal cost.What has changed is our understanding of addiction. Modern science recognises it as a complex condition involving brain chemistry, mental health, environment, and genetics. Ancient societies may not have possessed this knowledge, but they were aware that excessive indulgence could damage individuals and communities.
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