Given the relationship between Romans and their gods—built on a transactional faith where worship secured protection—skepticism and abandonment of the traditional Roman creed took deep root in society between the 1st and 3rd centuries.

In our society, the desire to feel better, to enjoy ourselves and have fun, to perform more by taking stimulants is quite common, hence the popularity of stimulating products, some as ordinary and mild as coffee or cola drinks, and others far more potent, like cocaine or amphetamines.

English historian Michael Wood, who specializes in the origins of the Rigveda, India's sacred books, says he can state that the drink known as "soma" in 2,500 BC was prepared with poppy, cannabis, and ephedra.