The Drug Science Podcast

 
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Simon Ruffell, a psychiatrist and ayahuasca researcher with extensive experience working with Indigenous communities in the Amazon Basin. He discusses the potential of Indigenous medicines to complement Western psychiatric care and reduce relapse rates. Dr. Ruffell compares Western and Indigenous approaches to using spiritual plants, addressing the ongoing debate about how to respectfully integrate Indigenous medicine into Western healthcare as well as highlighting the key differences between commercial ayahuasca retreats and authentic Indigenous practices. Lastly, he discusses aspects of Shipibo culture and a journey into Shamanism.
 
 
 
Ayahuasca
DMT
Psilocybin
Psychosis
Revolving door syndrome
Shipibo
Heroic Hearts
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Dr Simon Ruffell
Onaya Health
Onaya Science
Mind over matter
Participation in an indigenous Amazonian-led ayahuasca retreat associated with increases in nature relatedness
Ceremonial Ayahuasca in Amazonian Retreats
Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
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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.