Uncovering the Secret Lives of Animals: Substance Use in the Wild

Published: March 30, 2025 • 6 min read
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Introduction to Substance Use in the Animal Kingdom

The animal kingdom is full of fascinating behaviors, and one of the most intriguing is the use of substances to alter their state of mind. From the dolphins that deliberately chew on pufferfish to get high from the toxins, to the birds that consume fermented berries to experience a natural buzz, it's clear that substance use is not unique to humans. In this page, we'll delve into the world of animal substance use, exploring the reasons behind this behavior, the different types of substances used, and the effects they have on the animals.

The use of substances by animals is a complex phenomenon that has puzzled scientists and animal behaviorists for years. While it's easy to assume that animals are simply seeking a way to get high, the reality is that their motivations are often more nuanced. For example, some animals may use substances to self-medicate, treating ailments such as pain or anxiety. Others may use substances to enhance their social interactions, bonding with their peers over a shared experience. Whatever the reason, it's clear that substance use is a natural part of the animal kingdom, and one that deserves our attention and understanding.

In the case of the dolphins and pufferfish, the behavior is particularly interesting. The dolphins will carefully chew on the pufferfish, releasing the toxins into their system and inducing a trance-like state. This behavior has been observed in several different species of dolphins, and is thought to be a form of social bonding. The dolphins will often pass the pufferfish around, sharing the experience with each other and reinforcing their social bonds. It's a remarkable example of how animals can use substances to enhance their social interactions, and one that challenges our assumptions about the nature of substance use.

The use of substances by animals is not limited to dolphins and pufferfish. Many other species, from birds to monkeys, have been observed using substances to alter their state of mind. For example, some species of birds will consume fermented berries, which contain a natural form of alcohol. The birds will often become intoxicated, exhibiting behaviors such as staggering and loss of coordination. Similarly, some species of monkeys have been known to consume the seeds of certain plants, which contain a natural form of hallucinogen. These behaviors are often seen as a form of recreation, with the animals using the substances to experience a new and exciting sensation.

The use of substances by animals can also have important implications for our understanding of addiction. While animals do not experience addiction in the same way as humans, they can still exhibit behaviors that resemble addiction. For example, some animals may become dependent on a particular substance, using it repeatedly and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when it is taken away. This can provide valuable insights into the nature of addiction, and may even lead to the development of new treatments for human addiction.

In addition to the dolphins and pufferfish, there are many other examples of animal substance use that are worth exploring. For example, some species of ants will consume a type of fungus that contains a natural form of amphetamine. The ants will often become more active and alert, exhibiting behaviors such as increased foraging and social interaction. Similarly, some species of cats will consume a type of plant that contains a natural form of stimulant. The cats will often become more energetic and playful, exhibiting behaviors such as increased running and jumping.

From fermented fruit to psychoactive plants, animals have been known to use a wide range of substances. Some, like the wallaby, use certain plants to self-medicate, while others, like the dolphin, seem to use substances recreationally. It's a wild world out there, and animals are just as curious as we are.
While dolphins do appear to enjoy the neurotoxins found in pufferfish, it's not quite the same as human addiction. These intelligent creatures seem to be using the toxins in a controlled, social context, passing the fish around like a shared experience. It's more like a marine mammal happy hour than a downward spiral of addiction.
Absolutely! From bees getting buzzed on caffeine to birds using psychoactive berries, substance use is more common in the animal kingdom than you might think. Even cats have been known to use catnip to get their feline fix. It seems that many animals are drawn to the altered states that substances can provide.
By exploring the complexities of animal substance use, we can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive this behavior. While animals don't have the same cognitive abilities as humans, their substance use can provide valuable insights into the role of environment, social context, and brain chemistry in addiction. Who knew that watching dolphins get high could help us better understand human addiction?
While the dolphin-pufferfish phenomenon has gained recent attention, scientists have been studying animal substance use for decades. From the 1960s onwards, researchers have been observing and documenting various forms of substance use in the animal kingdom. It's a fascinating field that continues to grow, with new discoveries being made all the time.

The Pufferfish Phenomenon: A Closer Look

The pufferfish phenomenon is a fascinating example of animal substance use. The dolphins will carefully chew on the pufferfish, releasing the toxins into their system and inducing a trance-like state. This behavior has been observed in several different species of dolphins, and is thought to be a form of social bonding. The dolphins will often pass the pufferfish around, sharing the experience with each other and reinforcing their social bonds.

The pufferfish contains a powerful neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which is up to 1,200 times more deadly than cyanide. However, the dolphins are able to carefully control the amount of toxin they ingest, avoiding overdose and experiencing a mild and pleasurable effect. This behavior is a remarkable example of how animals can use substances to enhance their social interactions, and one that challenges our assumptions about the nature of substance use.

The pufferfish phenomenon is not an isolated incident, and there are many other examples of animal substance use that are similar. For example, some species of fish will consume a type of seaweed that contains a natural form of hallucinogen. The fish will often exhibit behaviors such as altered swimming patterns and increased social interaction. Similarly, some species of octopuses will consume a type of shellfish that contains a natural form of stimulant. The octopuses will often become more active and alert, exhibiting behaviors such as increased foraging and problem-solving.

Natural Highs: Investigating Animal Substance Use

The use of substances by animals is a natural part of their behavior, and one that serves a variety of purposes. From self-medication to social bonding, animals use substances to enhance their lives and experiences. By studying animal substance use, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of addiction and the role of substances in the animal kingdom.

The Wild World of Animal Substance Use

The Social Buzz

The Toxic Trap

In addition to the pufferfish phenomenon, there are many other examples of animal substance use that are worth exploring. For example, some species of bees will consume a type of nectar that contains a natural form of stimulant. The bees will often become more active and alert, exhibiting behaviors such as increased foraging and social interaction. Similarly, some species of butterflies will consume a type of plant that contains a natural form of hallucinogen. The butterflies will often exhibit behaviors such as altered flying patterns and increased social interaction.

The use of substances by animals is a complex and fascinating phenomenon, and one that deserves our attention and understanding. By studying animal substance use, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of addiction and the role of substances in the animal kingdom. We can also learn more about the importance of social bonding and the ways in which animals use substances to enhance their lives and experiences.

The High Life: Understanding Animal Substance Use

Question 1 of 5

Why do dolphins chew on pufferfish?

Dr. Kaia ReefwalkerAI

Chat with Kaia about their areas of expertise:

  1. Marine Biology
  2. Neuroethology
  3. Animal Behavior
  4. Substance Use in Animals

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