Drunk

1. Intoxication: An Ancient and Ubiquitous Human Drive

The ubiquity of drug use is so striking that it must represent a basic human appetite.

Ancient roots. The desire to alter one's mental state through intoxication is not a recent phenomenon. Archaeological evidence reveals that humans have been using alcohol and other substances for millennia, dating back as far as 7000 BCE in China. From fermented beverages to hallucinogenic plants, the pursuit of altered states is a constant throughout human history.

Cross-cultural phenomenon. The use of intoxicants is not limited to specific cultures or geographic regions. Across the globe, societies have developed unique methods for producing and consuming mind-altering substances. Whether it's alcohol, kava, cannabis, or hallucinogens, the desire to get high is a universal human trait.

More than just alcohol. While alcohol is the most widely consumed psychoactive agent, humans have explored a vast array of substances to achieve altered states. Hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants, and even poisonous toad secretions have been used for their intoxicating effects, demonstrating the breadth and depth of this fundamental human drive.

2. Humans: Social Insects Trapped in Ape Bodies

Trying to hammer a square primate peg into a circular social insect hole is bound to be difficult.

Primate heritage. Humans are primates, closely related to apes like chimpanzees. This evolutionary history has shaped our social behavior, making us inherently individualistic and competitive. However, humans have also evolved to cooperate on a massive scale, forming complex societies that resemble social insect colonies.

Social insect tendencies. Unlike other primates, humans exhibit a strong desire for social connection and cooperation. We readily form large groups, specialize in different tasks, and sacrifice individual interests for the common good. This unique combination of primate and social insect traits creates inherent tensions.

The cooperation challenge. The challenge for humans is to reconcile our selfish ape nature with the demands of large-scale social cooperation. Overcoming this tension requires mechanisms for building trust, enforcing norms, and suppressing individual self-interest. Intoxication, as we will see, plays a crucial role in this process.

3. The Three Cs: Creativity, Culture, and Community

Homo sapiens have achieved their impressive success by adapting to an extreme and unusual ecological niche, one very different from that inhabited by our primate ancestors and closest primate relatives today.

The human niche. Humans have adapted to a unique ecological niche characterized by creativity, culture, and community. This niche requires us to be innovative, learn from others, and cooperate on a massive scale. These demands have shaped our brains and behavior, making us fundamentally different from other primates.

Creativity's role. Humans rely on creative insights and inventions to survive and thrive. From tools and technology to art and language, our ability to generate novel solutions is essential for adapting to new environments and challenges.

Culture's influence. Humans are uniquely dependent on culture, the accumulated knowledge and practices passed down through generations. This reliance on social learning requires us to be open-minded, trusting, and willing to adopt the beliefs and behaviors of our communities.

Community's importance. Humans are intensely social creatures, relying on cooperation and mutual support for survival. Building strong communities requires mechanisms for fostering trust, resolving conflicts, and promoting collective action.

4. The Prefrontal Cortex: Blessing and Curse

Given that the PFC is a key to our success as a species, consuming any amount of alcohol or other intoxicant seems really stupid.

Executive control center. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the brain region responsible for executive functions like planning, decision-making, and impulse control. It allows us to override our instincts, delay gratification, and pursue long-term goals. The PFC is crucial for success in modern society.

The downside of control. While the PFC is essential for many aspects of human life, it can also inhibit creativity, openness, and social connection. Its focus on rational thought and self-control can stifle spontaneity, empathy, and the ability to think outside the box.

The need for balance. The challenge for humans is to balance the benefits of the PFC with the need for creativity, openness, and social connection. We need to be able to control our impulses and plan for the future, but also to let go, explore new ideas, and connect with others on an emotional level.

5. Alcohol: The Perfect Chemical Key

If you tasked a cultural engineering team with designing a substance that would satisfy specs aimed at maximizing individual creativity and group cooperation, they would come up with something very much like alcohol.

A versatile tool. Alcohol is uniquely suited for temporarily altering brain function. It's easy to produce, consume, and dose, and its effects are relatively predictable. Alcohol targets the PFC, reducing cognitive control and promoting relaxation, creativity, and social bonding.

Biphasic effects. Alcohol has both stimulating and depressant effects, creating a complex range of experiences. Initially, it boosts dopamine and serotonin, leading to euphoria and increased sociability. Later, it inhibits brain activity, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Social lubricant. Alcohol's ability to lower inhibitions and promote social connection makes it a valuable tool for building trust and resolving conflicts. It allows us to temporarily suspend our self-consciousness and connect with others on a more emotional level.

6. From Ritual to Routine: The Social Glue of Intoxication

The fact that drinking facilitates social bonding may not sound like a world-shaking revelation.

Ancient rituals. Throughout history, alcohol and other intoxicants have played a central role in religious rituals and social gatherings. From ancient Sumerian feasts to Greek symposia, these events have used intoxication to create a sense of community, reinforce social norms, and connect with the divine.

Modern social life. In contemporary societies, alcohol continues to serve as a social lubricant, facilitating connection and communication. Pubs, bars, and parties provide spaces for people to relax, unwind, and build relationships.

Beyond the individual. The benefits of intoxication extend beyond individual pleasure. By promoting social bonding and reducing conflict, alcohol has helped humans to form larger, more cohesive societies. It has played a crucial role in the development of culture, politics, and economics.

7. Distillation and Isolation: A Dangerous Modern Cocktail

Pure psychoactive drugs and direct routes of administration are evolutionarily novel features of our environment.

Distillation's impact. The invention of distillation has created a new level of risk associated with alcohol consumption. Distilled spirits are far more potent than naturally fermented beverages, making it easier to become dangerously intoxicated.

The rise of isolation. Modern lifestyles have led to a decline in traditional social structures and an increase in solitary activities. This isolation has made it easier to abuse alcohol, as individuals are no longer subject to the same social controls and monitoring.

A toxic combination. The combination of distilled spirits and social isolation has created a perfect storm for alcohol abuse. Without the constraints of traditional social norms, individuals are more likely to develop alcohol dependence and experience its negative consequences.

8. Taming Dionysus: A Path Forward

This thirst for a kind of liquid which nature has sheathed in veils, this extraordinary need which acts on every race of mankind, in every climate and in every kind of human creature, is well worth the attention of the philosophical mind.

Reclaiming control. To mitigate the risks of alcohol abuse, we need to reclaim control over its consumption. This involves promoting mindful drinking, regulating the availability of distilled spirits, and fostering social environments that support responsible alcohol use.

Learning from the past. Southern European drinking cultures offer a model for integrating alcohol into daily life in a healthy and sustainable way. By emphasizing moderation, social connection, and the integration of alcohol with meals, these cultures have minimized the negative consequences of alcohol abuse.

A balanced approach. The key to taming Dionysus is to find a balance between the benefits of intoxication and the risks of abuse. By understanding the evolutionary roots of our desire to get high, we can develop strategies for harnessing its power while minimizing its harms.

Last updated: February 24, 2025