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:
A masterclass on insulin resistance—mechanisms and implications | Gerald Shulman, M.D., Ph.D. (#140 rebroadcast)
#231 - AMA #41: Medicine 3.0, developments in the field of aging, healthy habits in times of stress, and more
#230 ‒ Cardiovascular disease in women: prevention, risk factors, lipids, and more | Erin Michos, M.D.
#229 ‒ Understanding cardiovascular disease risk, cholesterol, and apoB
#228 ‒ Improving body composition, female-specific training principles, and overcoming an eating disorder | Holly Baxter, APD
#227 - AMA #40: Body composition, protein, time-restricted feeding, fasting, DEXA scans, and more
#226 ‒ The science of happiness | Arthur Brooks, Ph.D.
#225 ‒ The comfort crisis, doing hard things, rucking, and more | Michael Easter, MA
#224 ‒ Dietary protein: amount needed, ideal timing, quality, and more | Don Layman, Ph.D.
#223 - AMA #39: The Centenarian Decathlon, zone 2, VO2 max, and more
#222 ‒ How nutrition impacts longevity | Matt Kaeberlein, Ph.D
#221 ‒ Understanding sleep and how to improve it
#220 ‒ Ketamine: Benefits, risks, and promising therapeutic potential | Celia Morgan, Ph.D.
#219 ‒ Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): skills for overcoming depression , emotional dysregulation, and more | Shireen Rizvi, Ph.D., ABPP
#218 - AMA #38: Can you exercise too much?
#217 ‒ Exercise, VO2 max, and longevity | Mike Joyner, M.D.
#216 - Metabolomics, NAD+, and cancer metabolism | Josh Rabinowitz, M.D., Ph.D.
#215 - The gut-brain connection | Michael Gershon, M.D.
#214 - AMA #37: Bone health—everything you need to know
#213 ‒ Liquid biopsies and cancer detection | Max Diehn, M.D. Ph.D.
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