Drug Science

In a recent letter, public health advocate Clive Bates calls out Dr. Maxime Boidin of Manchester Metropolitan University for promoting an incomplete and unpublished vaping study, warning against the irresponsible publicity it has generated. Clive emphasizes the dangers of making unverified claims about vaping, particularly when comparing it to smoking, and urges for a more ethical approach to scientific communication. This letter raises critical concerns about the impact of sensationalist claims on public health, especially for those still smoking. Read the full letter on Drug Science's website for an insightful critique of the study and its media coverage. https://lnkd.in/d8-RZj7A

Are you a mental health care professional with at least 1 year of experience supporting young people who self-harm? Researchers at Imperial College London are seeking participants for their latest study, "Psychedelic-Augmented Therapy for Young People Who Self-Harm." You'll take part in a one-hour interview exploring topics such as current treatments, perspectives on self-harm in young people, and the potential role of psychedelics in therapy. Submit your interest via the link ⚛️ https://lnkd.in/e5iapBPb

🆕 Join us on the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast as "mindful aristocrat" Josh Dugdale of Wasing Estate takes us on his fascinating journey from Ayahuasca in the Amazon to creating spiritual spaces back home in the UK. Josh shares how he developed a mindful spiritual festival during the pandemic and discusses its evolution and impact. We also explore the important topic of psilocybin access rights and what meaningful reform might look like in the future. https://lnkd.in/eNJJgVxa

For a TL;DR of POSTbrief64, check out: https://lnkd.in/dsfGeDmy

The Home Affairs Committee’s recommendation to urgently reschedule certain psychedelic substances is a step in the right direction, but the government’s inaction on this matter is concerning. By failing to respond to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) report, the UK is delaying the advancement of potentially life-saving treatments. This is not just a scientific issue—it’s a moral one. Mental health conditions are a leading cause of disability worldwide, and the current treatments are inadequate for many. Psilocybin-assisted therapy offers a promising alternative, but we cannot fully understand its benefits or risks without robust, large-scale research. The rate of research into psychedelic drugs is increasing year on year, so we are certainly heading in the right direction. However, most of this work is conducted under highly controlled conditions which may not be representative of what these experiences are like in the ‘real world’. Hence, more Real World Evidence research is needed to evaluate these treatments, as placebo controls and medicalised settings may not paint the full picture when it comes to psychedelic medicines. https://lnkd.in/e2JEH7Az

Professor David Nutt spoke to the Guardian about harnessing GABA—the neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation—to create a non-alcoholic spirit that supports sociability without the downsides of alcohol. https://lnkd.in/eHWnU9kC

Can we modify maladaptive memories? Professor Ravi Das takes us into the world of memory reconsolidation and its potential to revolutionize treatment for addiction and anxiety. A fascinating new Drug Science Podcast episode exploring the science of memory, trauma, and healing. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/ez5ezUhy

Is cocaine no worse than whisky? Colombian President Gustavo Petro recently questioned the global prosecution of cocaine, arguing that its illegality isn't based on harm. His claim is supported by longstanding research, including Prof. David Nutt’s groundbreaking 2010 study, which found alcohol to be more harmful than cocaine. In a new article for The Spectator, Prof. Nutt revisits his findings and explores how cocaine could be regulated similarly to cannabis, offering potential benefits for both society and the economy. https://lnkd.in/eXfw6pzi

In the meantime, check out this comprehensive piece on how the British media is shaping public understanding of nitazenes: https://lnkd.in/dR4CTDtp

🧠 Science has advanced, but psychiatric medications have barely changed since the 1970s. Why? In a new Lancet Personal View, Professor David Nutt explores why psychiatric drug innovation has stalled and outlines a path forward. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eu7Zcc9M #MentalHealth