Betel Nut
This is one social issue that is hard not to be judgemental about. The use of the Betel Nut as a stimulant is deeply rooted in Melanesian Society. It is not an adults only phenomenon and it is widely available in Gizo. My guess is there are over 50 Betel Nut street vendors in the ten minute walk down the whole of main street. Here are some facts:
* Chewing this nut with other ingredients will give you a slight buzz and rush.
* Serious health issues are related to its use - Oral cancer being one.
* Users teeth become red - eventually black from excessive use.
* Children as young as 5-7 years old are taught how to chew the Betel Nut.
* Spiting out the red Betel Nut juice on wherever/whatever is disgusting.
I was on a hike through some fishing villages and a man by he name of Ian approached me. I’m pretty sure he had a buzz going when he was talking to me. We started to chat and I noticed he had very red lips and teeth. I asked him if he minded talking to me about his obvious use of the Betel Nut. He was very open and took me over to an actual Betel Nut tree. He cut open an actual nut and showed me what it looked like inside. He said his family had just been sitting around chatting and chewing Betel Nuts before I came by. One of his family members participating was 7 years old.
The vast majority of the people in this part of the Solomon Islands - participate in this activity. Whatever your reaction, it is something that is so ingrained in these peoples lives it will not change in the foreseeable future. I saw vey few efforts to educate or encourage people to not use the Betel Nut.
This is what your mouth & teeth will look like from excessive use...