As the title of his book — Drink? — suggests, world-renowned professor of neuropsychopharmacology David Nutt thinks the cost/benefit analysis around consuming alcohol is an open question. He's not anti-alcohol — he regularly drinks himself — but he also thinks most people (more than 2/3 of folks around the world have had a drink in the past year) need to understand a lot more about drinking than they typically do in order to make an informed choice as to whether, and how much, to partake.To that end, today on the show Dr. Nutt shares the ins and outs of something he calls both a fantastic, and a horrible, drug. We discuss how people acquire a taste for something that initially registers as a toxic poison and how alcohol affects the body and mind. We then delve into alcohol's long-term health consequences, including its link to cancer, the fact that it kills more people via stroke than by cirrhosis, the way it has a feminizing effect on men, and what it does to your sleep. We discuss what influences someone’s chances of becoming alcoholic, and signs that you’ve got a drinking problem. David also argues that drinking has some benefits, and offers suggestions on how to imbibe alcohol in a way that helps manage its risks. We end our conversation with why more people are curbing their drinking, and the synthetic alcohol David is developing that mimics the relaxing effects of alcohol, without its negative downsides.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: How a Man Drinks Responsibly: Ask These 3 QuestionsAoM Article: Why I'm Thankful I Had a Drinking Problem: A Few Life Lessons From Beating the BottleAoM Article: Guide to Drinking for the TeetotalerConnect With David NuttDr. Nutt's faculty page at the Imperial College LondonGaba Labs

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: David’s early interest in the brain and experience in psychiatry [2:45]; David’s brief work on government drug policy in the UK [10:15]; A scale for rating the relative harm of certain drugs [13:45]; The contrast in regulation between cannabis vs. alcohol and why research on potential benefits of cannabis is lacking [19:15]; The opiate crisis and rise of fentanyl: the cause and potential solution [25:00]; The science of addiction and the potential use of psychedelics for treating drug addiction [35:00]; Cocaine: mechanisms of action and risks [41:45]; Methamphetamine and crystal meth: mechanisms of action and neurotoxicity [48:15]; How psychedelics came to be classified as schedule I drugs despite their numerous therapeutic uses [52:45]; The history of MDMA and the bad science and political forces leading to its demonization [1:08:45]; History of ketamine, medical use of esketamine, and the waning effects of psychedelics with increasing usage [1:13:30]; Psilocybin for depression: David’s promising research and the roadblocks to more robust experiments [1:20:15];More. Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/davidnutt  Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content:  https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

David Nutt, an English neuropsychopharmacologist and former UK drug policy chief, delves into the complexities of drug legislation. He argues that alcohol is Britain's most harmful substance, advocating for stricter regulations based on new research. The discussion highlights the historical failures of drug prohibition, including the opioid crisis and its unforeseen consequences. Nutt also critically examines cannabis policies, addressing its health implications and historical significance while calling for more evidence-based approaches to drug regulation.

Research in the fields of neuroscience and pharmacology over the past several decades have resulted in countless positive benefits for humanity.But until very recently, certain classes of drugs had been rigorously excluded from clinical trials - namely, the class of drugs commonly known as psychedelics.Fortunately, a handful of organizations around the world have been making breakthroughs in psychedelic drug research, working in cooperation with government regulators to answer this question: what are these drugs doing to our brains and bodies?One such researcher is today’s guest - Dr. David Nutt. He and his team at Drug Science have brought together leading drug experts from many different clinical backgrounds, with the goal of providing clear, evidence-based information about how a wide range of drugs - from CBD to PCP - impact the human system.In his latest book, Cannabis (seeing through the smoke): The New Science of Cannabis and Your Health, Dr. Nutt gives an in-depth look into one of the most commonly used recreational psychedelics on the planet: cannabis.In today’s episode, we discuss David’s findings on how cannabis affects different systems in the brain, how it differs from other classes of drugs, what the future of drug research looks like, and much much more!Check out our sponsors: Athletic Greens: Go to athleticgreens.com/impact and receive a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase! BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/impacttheorySHOW NOTES:00:00 | How Cannabis Works03:54 | How Will I Respond to Cannabis?09:21 | Benefits of Cannabis22:09 | Psychedelics & Your Brain32:27 | Are Drugs Safe?38:51 | The Future of CannabisFollow Dr. David Nutt:Website: https://www.drugscience.org.ukTwitter: https://twitter.com/profdavidnuttOrder your copy of Cannabis (seeing through the smoke): https://amzn.to/3O9sc0PAre You Ready for EXTRA Impact?If you’re ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you.Want to transform your health, sharpen your mindset, improve your relationship, or conquer the business world? This is your epicenter of greatness. This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day.Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, more New episodes delivered ad-free Exclusive access to Tom’s AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading list You’ll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more: Legendary Mindset: Mindset & Self-Improvement Money Mindset: Business & Finance Relationship Theory: Relationships Health Theory: Mental & Physical Health Power Ups: Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PCvJazSubscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor David Nutt and Catherine Bird discuss the potential of psychedelic drugs in medicine, particularly for women. Rebecca F John and Sam Taylor talk about strongwomen past and present. A listener shares her struggle with kleptomania, and another listener explores the concept of living funerals. The podcast also explores the journey of being a refugee and the experiences of women in the heavy metal scene.

Joining Davina is Professor David Nutt, a leading drug researcher and former chief drug advisor to the UK government. They dive into the flaws in current drug policies and the societal dangers of alcohol, which Nutt insists is the deadliest substance despite its common use. The discussion highlights the untapped potential of psychedelics for treating addiction and mental health. Nutt advocates for harm reduction strategies and a shift in public perception around drugs, emphasizing that open dialogue is crucial in educating the youth.

Professor David Nutt, a world-renowned neuroscientist and former chief drugs advisor to the UK government, dives into the dark side of alcohol consumption. He highlights how the alcohol industry spreads disinformation, much like the tobacco sector. The conversation also touches on the staggering economic costs of alcohol, totaling £10.5 billion annually in the UK. Nutt introduces Sentia, an innovative alcohol-free alternative designed to provide the benefits of drinking without the harmful effects, offering a fresh perspective on societal views around alcohol.

Your Life In Process celebrates its 100th episode with an energizing discussion on constructive rest, mindful movement, and conscious consumption. Experts Katy Bowman, David Nutt, Pilar Gerasimo, and Kimberley Wilson share practical tips for healing the body at a cellular level, moving more nutritiously, tracking conscious alcohol consumption, and breaking free from calorie counting. Get science-backed insights for a healthier lifestyle.

Professor David Nutt, a leading authority on drugs, discusses the potential of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions like PTSD, addiction, and anxiety. He explains how psychedelics switch off a part of the brain, providing relief from negative thoughts. The podcast also explores the unjust drug policies in the UK and the unique spiritual experiences that individuals have when taking psychedelics.

Prof. David Nutt and Joao Goulao discuss global drug policies, highlighting Portugal's success with decriminalization. Contrasts Duterte's harsh stance with the Netherlands' lenient approach. Addressing nitrous oxide's rise and advocating for rational drug policies based on harm levels.