Opiates Possibly Boosted Human Civilization Publisher



Charkhgard N^{1, 3} ; Razaghi E^{1, 2, 3} Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Published:2021

Abstract

Testosterone is a fundamental biological drive for human survival. Evidence documents an association between the evolutionary suppression of testosterone and the civilization processes, especially their socialization and family colonization abilities, among early humans. Interestingly, opiates suppress testosterone as a side effect. However, in clinical practice, clients undergoing opioid substitution therapy have subnormal, normal, or even above-normal testosterone. This paper discusses a possibility indicating that opiates promoted civilization processes among early humans. We further suggest that modern humans might have inherited the positive impact of opiates on early humans as a biological propensity for using opioids. Some users may use opioids for self-medication to decrease their extraordinarily high testosterone levels. © 2021 Kowsar Medical Publishing Company. All rights reserved.