Addiction Neuroscience and Society

7 May

Guest Speaker: Professor David Nutt

In this episode titled "Addiction Neuroscience and Society," Professor David Nutt, a esteemed neuropsychopharmacologist, discusses addiction from a broader neuroscience perspective, and how different factors such as ethnicity and government policy shape attitudes towards addiction treatment.

Professor Nutt begins by defining addiction, highlighting the neurobiological mechanisms that differ across substances, and drawing parallels between substance addictions and behavioural addictions, such as gambling and overeating. A notable mention was alcohol due to its underestimated societal and health impact.

Professor Nutt later talks about the significant role of genetics, environmental factors, and socioeconomic conditions in shaping drug use patterns and addiction tendencies.

Our discussion then shifts to address the racial disparities in drug-related incarcerations and the effects of drug laws on minority communities, underpinned by findings from the Drug Policy Alliance report. Professor Nutt and our hosts suggest looking at international models, like Portugal's approach to decriminalization for insights on reforming drug policy, and the importance of building the right infrastructure for this kind of approach to succeed.

This episode not only expands our understanding of addiction from a neuroscience perspective but also urges us to critically consider the social and policy contexts that frame this complex issue. With insights from Professor Nutt, we are reminded of the power of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the multifaceted challenges of addiction in society.

Listen now on Spotify.