Hazardous Substances
Betel Quid (Areca Nut / Paan)
Street names: Paan, Betel nut, Areca nut, Supari, Gutka
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Mild stimulant: alertness, warmth, euphoria at first chew
- Red saliva, stained teeth
⚠Key risks
- GROUP 1 CARCINOGEN — oral cancer risk comparable to tobacco; red-stained oral lesions precede cancer
- 400M+ users in South/Southeast Asia — massive public health burden
- Recreational use among youth in diaspora communities
- TMJ damage, tooth destruction
- Addictive — arecoline is psychoactive
✚Overdose signs
- Oral lesions, white/red patches (precancerous)
- Difficulty opening mouth (oral submucous fibrosis)
- Jaw pain
📋Quick facts
Also known asPaan, Betel nut, Areca nut, Supari, Gutka
CategoryHazardous Substances
Schedule / classLegal most places; regulated India/Pakistan; IARC Group 1 carcinogen
AppearanceAreca nut wrapped in betel leaf with slaked lime (+ tobacco sometimes); chewed and spat or swallowed
Street price$0.10–$1 per quid — pennies-scale addiction
Legal statusLegal most places; India/Pakistan regulate packaged gutka; IARC Group 1 confirmed carcinogen
Last updated2026-09-17
Sources: WHO, IARC, EMCDDA
Category comparison — Hazardous Substances
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betel Quid (Areca Nut / Paan) | Legal most places; regulated India/Pakistan; IARC Group 1 carcinogen | GROUP 1 CARCINOGEN — oral cancer risk comparable to tobacco; red-stained oral lesions precede cancer; 400M+ users in South/Southeast Asia — massive public health burden | $0.10–$1 per quid — pennies-scale addiction |
| Khat (Catha edulis) | Schedule I | Academic/work decline — daily chewing sessions consume hours; Dependence with daily use | $5–$20 per bundle where legal |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Betel Quid (Areca Nut / Paan) look like?
Areca nut wrapped in betel leaf with slaked lime (+ tobacco sometimes); chewed and spat or swallowed
What are the signs of a Betel Quid (Areca Nut / Paan) overdose?
Oral lesions, white/red patches (precancerous); Difficulty opening mouth (oral submucous fibrosis); Jaw pain Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
GROUP 1 CARCINOGEN — oral cancer risk comparable to tobacco; red-stained oral lesions precede cancer Dependence can develop with regular use.