The Giants Shoulder

#84 Neuroscientist Ranks Every Drug By How Hard They Are to Quit! Tier List Part 2

Jan 8, 2026
Guest
David Nutt
Professor David Nutt, a neuropsychopharmacologist and former UK chief drug adviser, ranks a variety of drugs by their withdrawal risks. He reveals surprising insights about benzodiazepines, noting their dangers compared to heroin. The conversation shifts to ayahuasca and DMT, discussing their pharmacologies and therapeutic potentials. Nutt also tackles the relative safety of vaping versus smoking and debates the contentious role of kratom in medicine. Learn about caffeine’s risks at high doses and the unintended consequences of nitrous oxide bans.
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ADVICE

Avoid Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use

  • Avoid long-term benzodiazepine use for anxiety because withdrawal can be severe and long-lasting.
  • Prefer SSRIs and targeted short-term benzo use (e.g., intermittent sleep aid) under supervision.
INSIGHT

Ayahuasca Is Drinkable DMT Through Polypharmacy

  • Ayahuasca combines plants to block gut enzymes so orally active DMT reaches the brain for a prolonged effect.
  • Smoked or injected DMT gives a rapid, intense, short-lived 'wormhole' experience unlike ayahuasca.
INSIGHT

DMT Can Be Dosed For Plasticity Without Trips

  • Low, non-psychedelic DMT infusions can be developed to boost neuroplasticity without producing trips.
  • This approach aims to treat conditions like stroke by stimulating recovery mechanisms safely.
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