Drugs on the brain with Professor David Nutt

In this episode, we’re joined by leading neuropsychopharmacologist, Professor David Nutt, for a deep dive into the human brain and its relationship with drugs. We discuss whether our brains are built to consume drugs; whether modern society is changing the brain's neurochemistry and making people more vulnerable to substance use; how benzodiazepines work on the brain; and whether there will ever be a 'methadone equivalent' for stimulants such as cocaine?

We also draw upon Prof. Nutt's experience within the political arena, as the former chair of the Advisory Council of the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). We discuss what impact the potential reclassification of ketamine, to a Class A drug, may have. Alongside this, we explore whether the Green Party’s call to legalise and regulate all drugs is shifting the debate into the mainstream, challenging the idea that progressive drug reform is a political risk.

If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.

Note: The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) makes recommendations to government on the control of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs, including classification and scheduling under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and its regulations. ACMD is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office.

Contents of the video:

(00:00) Highlights of the episode

(01:04) Introduction

(02:34) The power of the brain

(04:53) Why does understanding the brain matter when it comes to human behaviour?

(09:00) Is the brain built to consume drugs?

(13:23) Is modern society shaping our neurochemistry?

(21:36) Do we know everything there is to know about drugs on the brain?

(26:42) Pharmacological treatment for stimulant use and other drugs

(33:27) Benzodiazepines

(40:52) Reclassifying ketamine

(48:15) Green Party's policy to regulate all drugs and previous political broken promises

(52:49) Quickfire Q&A