David Nutt is a psychiatrist and a neuroscientist at Downing College, Cambridge. His research focuses on illicit drugs—their harm, classification, and potential for therapeutic use in psychiatry. In this episode, David discusses his framework for assessing the potential harm caused by common recreational drugs and explains how they are regulated, which is oftentimes misaligned with actual risk. He describes in detail the neurobiology, mechanisms of action, and addiction potential of alcohol, opiates, cocaine, and methamphetamine and contrasts those with psychedelics, which have been given a similar regulatory classification despite their relatively low risk of harm and their numerous potential therapeutic uses. Additionally, David explains the promise of psychedelics like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin for treating drug addiction and depression and discusses how political pressures have created roadblocks to future necessary research.
We discuss:
#137 - Paul Offit, M.D.: An expert perspective on COVID-19 vaccines
#136 - AMA #17: Body composition methods tour de force, insulin resistance, and Topo Chico
#135 - BJ Miller, M.D.: How understanding death leads to a better life
#134 - James O’Keefe, M.D.: Preventing cardiovascular disease and the risk of too much exercise.
#133 - Vinay Prasad, M.D., M.P.H: Hallmarks of successful cancer policy
#132 - AMA #16: Exploring hot and cold therapy
#131 - Beth Lewis: The Art of Stability: Learning about pain, mitigating injury, and moving better through life
#130 - Carol Tavris, Ph.D. & Elliot Aronson, Ph.D.: Recognizing and overcoming cognitive dissonance
#129 - Tom Dayspring, M.D.: The latest insights into cardiovascular disease and lipidology
#128 – Irene Davis, Ph.D.: The evolution of the foot, running injuries, and minimalist shoes
#127 - AMA #3 with sleep expert, Matthew Walker, Ph.D.: Fasting, gut health, blue light, caffeine, REM sleep, and more
#126 – Matthew Walker, Ph.D.: Sleep and immune function, chronotypes, hygiene tips, and addressing questions about his book
#125 - John Arnold: The most prolific philanthropist you may not have heard of
#124 - AMA #15: Real-world case studies—metabolic dysregulation, low testosterone, menopause, and more
#123 - Joan Mannick, M.D. & Nir Barzilai, M.D.: Rapamycin and metformin—longevity, immune enhancement, and COVID-19
#122 - Lori Gottlieb: Understanding pain, therapeutic breakthroughs, and keys to enduring emotional health
#121 - Azra Raza, M.D.: Why we're losing the war on cancer
#120 - AMA with Dom D’Agostino, Ph.D., Part II of II: Ketosis for cancer and chronic disease, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the effect of ketosis on female health
#119 - Terry Real: Breaking the cycle of shame, anger, and depression
#118 - Lloyd Klickstein, M.D., Ph.D.: Rapamycin, mTOR inhibition, and the biology of aging
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Good Mood Revolution
Huberman Lab
Good Nurse Bad Nurse
The Relaxback UK Show
On Call With Dr. Anselm Anyoha
The Doctor’s Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.