4. Addiction - physical or psychological?

Addiction cripples peoples lives. David hears two very different stories from long time drug users.

Show Notes

Professor David Nutt sits down with Mark Johnson and Ian Miller to

discuss the science, and challenge the concept, of addiction.

• Why do some people become ‘addicted’ to drugs and others do not?

• Is addiction physical or psychological?

• Should drug and alcohol services focus on the drug or the individual?

• How do we as a society treat the cause of addiction?

To answer these questions, Professor Nutt and his guests examine; the Portuguese model, talking to teenagers about drug use, the use of drugs within prisons and the revolving door that this creates.

Mark Johnson is the author of the book ‘Wasted’ and founder of ‘User Voice’. At the beginning of the 21st century, Mark spiralled into addiction and homelessness. He used drugs to replace the lack of love and support he had been deprived of as a child. Now, he is 19 years clean and tackling his addiction head-on.

Conversely, Ian Miller has used drugs all of his adult life but has not developed a dependency. As a rebel in his teens, he used drugs out of curiosity, not as a coping mechanism.

Drug Science is the leading independent scientific body on drugs in the UK. We work to provide clear, evidence-based information without political or commercial interference.

@Drug_Science @ProfDavidNutt

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What is The Drug Science Podcast?

Professor David Nutt has spent a career making the argument for a rational, evidence-based approach to drug policy and drug use. The scientific evidence still challenges perceived wisdom on drugs and for that reason can appear to be contentious. In this podcast, the Professor explores the actual harms and potential benefits of various drugs, challenging myths surrounding classification and legislation, and exploring the societal impact of poorly informed drug policy. Using evidence in public policy should not be controversial. A podcast for anyone interested in understanding the scientific truth about drugs, free from political or moral concern.