The Drug Science Podcast

Join us in this episode as we speak to Dr. Rachel Andrews, an addiction and harm reduction researcher at the University of Bath, and Hannah Dawes, a PSHE teacher and the creator of the podcast The Exchange. The conversation focuses on the prevalence of vaping in schools, particularly exploring the ways in which vapes have been marketed to children and the patterns of use in schools. Rachel provides data from her team’s analysis of that shows what’s really in the vapes students are using, while Hannah lends her perspective within schools, explaining how a supportive approach to students using vapes is more successful than punitive measures.  LinksNicotineDrug Science BlogSpiceCannabisTeaching About Nicotine and VapingDaniel Spargo-Mabbs FoundationThe ExchangeSpice Comic  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, Prof Nutt speaks with Erica Rex, author of the book Seeing What is There, which explores the complex history of psychedelic therapy. She shares her own experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy, while providing context on the guardrails that are necessary for these treatments to maximize benefits and minimize harms. Viewing psychedelics as therapeutic accelerants, Erica speaks on the current state of mental health treatments and explores how complex trauma and other mental health problems could be better treated.Erica Instagram Erica Substack  Links●      Seeing What is There●      The Culture Is the Poison: Why Psychedelics Are Dangerous Medicine in a Neoliberal Society●      Psilocybin●      MDMA●      5-MeO-DMT●      More From Erica ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Smith-Ruiu, a philosopher at Université Paris Cité and the author of On Drugs. He discusses his motivations behind the book, rooted in his early experiences with psychedelics and the many cultural roles he has seen them play across different contexts. As the conversation unfolds, Smith-Ruiu reflects on his decision to quit drinking in favor of psychedelics and the profound positive changes that choice has brought to his life. LinksJustin Smith-RuiuOn DrugsPsilocybin ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in this episode as we talk to Robert Schoevers, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Groningen and one of the pioneers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. He explains why human complexity led him to psychiatry, begoring discussing how his early psychedelic research into esketamine aimed to meet the unmet needs of treatment-resistant patients. Schoevers goes on to explore the ways in which his approach to ketamine-assisted therapy has transitioned over time and has led him to lead bigger projects, like the EU-funded palliative care project, PsyPal. LinksProfileKetamineCompass PaperPsyPal ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Prof Emma Robinson, a leading psychopharmacology expert from the University of Bristol, as she discusses the vital role of animal research in understanding depression. She tackles the ethical nuances of animal testing and shares insights on how psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine could revolutionize mental health treatments. Emma also highlights innovative animal models for studying emotional memory and the nuances of drug effects. Discover her perspectives on the future of psychiatry, focusing on emotional biases and the path to integrating social factors into mental health care.

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we talk to Simon Doherty, a journalist and content creator with a focus on harm reduction. He explores how reporting on electronic music and rave culture naturally led to his work on harm reduction. He goes on to dissect Talk to Frank and its flaws in providing accurate, evidence-based information. Finally, by comparing the unique landscape of free parties to the regulated club scene, Doherty discusses why and how clubs avoid common sense harm reduction techniques, endangering clubgoers. LinksSimon’s TikTokInvestigating Talk to FrankCalling FrankThe LoopRave Aid CrewGHB/GHLKetamineNitazenes ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in this episode as we talk to Prof Sara Tai, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Manchester and an NHS consultant clinical psychologist. Sara’s research is grounded in biopsychosocial frameworks, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms of change that underpin effective psychological therapies. She has extensive experience delivering therapy, and training other clinicians to deliver interventions with individuals, families, and young people across diverse settings, including acute in-patient units, community mental health services, and schools.For many years, Sara has been at the forefront of research into psychedelic-assisted therapies, working collaboratively with academic and industry partners to explore how psychedelics bring about therapeutic change. She has been instrumental in manualising psychological support models that integrate the core effective components shared across evidence-based psychotherapies, helping to define best practice in this rapidly advancing area. An experienced researcher, clinician, and trainer, Sara has led and collaborated on large-scale randomised controlled trials and has played a central role in training psychedelic therapists worldwide. Her work continues to bridge scientific research and clinical practice, advancing safe, effective, and compassionate approaches to mental health care.Sara explores her research into the oft-overlooked role of therapy within psychedelic treatments. She discuses how her work has helped to challenge the notion of psychedelic compounds as medicine in themselves, shifting the focus onto the therapeutic approaches alongside them. Ultimately, Sara underscores the need for more transformative psychedelic experiences grounded in peer support, indigenous knowledge, or therapeutic experience in order to facilitate positive outcomes. Links Prof Sara Tai Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Method of Levels ★ Support this podcast ★

Adam Zmith, a writer and producer known for his work on queer history and author of "Deep Sniff," dives into the fascinating world of poppers. He examines their complex history and regulation while highlighting their cultural significance within the queer community. Zmith discusses the evolution of poppers from Victorian medical use to their branding in the 1970s nightlife scene. He explores the implications of policing and the need for harm reduction, positioning poppers as a metaphor for queer visibility and resilience. History becomes a lens for envisioning inclusive queer futures.

Join us in this episode as Prof Nutt speaks to John, Joanne, and Ryan of the Scottish Ambulance Service in Glasgow. They explore their backgrounds in the Service and how their work exposed them to challenging situations that caused severe detriment to their mental health. After describing the failings of traditional mental health support for emergency workers, they tell their story of travelling to Peru for an ayahuasca retreat, an eye-opening and profoundly heartening experience. LinksScottish Ambulance ServicesAyahuascaHeroic Hearts Project UKThe ShipiboScottish Psychedelic Research Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Dr. Andy Letcher, a religious scholar and author of 'Shroom: A Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom', dives deep into the fascinating intersection of psychedelics and spirituality. He discusses how his journey from astronomy to studying contemporary Druidry shaped his views on psychedelics as a means to explore religious experiences. Letcher shares insights on the cultural contexts of these experiences, the complexities of modern Druidry, and the influence of Gordon Wasson in popularizing psilocybin mushrooms in the West. Finally, he highlights his role in developing new psychedelic studies at Exeter.