Methamphetamine has a scary reputation as one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs out there. But at the same time, it's an FDA-approved drug — and can even be used to treat ADHD in children. So just how dangerous and addictive is meth? And what’s going on in your brain when you use it? We hear from Science Vs listeners who’ve used it — and the scientis ... Show More
Aug 6
Weight Loss: Why Won't It Stick?
If you have ever tried to lose weight only to find the weight crept back on, you’re not alone. In fact, for tons of people, this happens over and over again. This is called “weight cycling,” and a bunch of influencers are saying that this is terrible for us. They say that it can ... Show More
39m 39s
Jul 2
Narcissists: Are We Surrounded?
The internet tells us that narcissists are everywhere — and that the problem is only getting worse. It’s like narcissism is oozing out of our celebrities, politicians, partners, parents, maybe even ourselves?? So today, we’re taking a long look in the mirror to find out: are we a ... Show More
44m 38s
May 2023
Addicted to Meth
CW: This episode contains descriptions of drug use, CSA, DV, and suicide.
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It leads to intense euphoria, increased energy, but has severe dangers. Meth abuse causes physical and ment ... Show More
1h 37m
Jun 2023
The Science of MDMA & Its Therapeutic Uses: Benefits & Risks
In this episode, I discuss Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is also commonly known as “ecstasy” or “molly,” including how it works in the brain to cause short- and long- term-shifts in emotional processing and its clinical applications for the treatment of post-traum ... Show More
2h 13m
Oct 2024
Are psychedelics breaking science?
Drugs like ecstasy and mushrooms have shown promise as mental health treatments, but they’re also exposing some major cracks in how scientists study the brain.
Guests: Jonathan Lambert, science journalist; Boris Heifets, professor at Stanford University of Medicine; Amy Mcguire, ... Show More
24m 40s
Dec 2015
MDMA: Pharmacological Healer
<p>In the form of recreational ecstasy, the psychoactive drug MDMA carries with it a stigma of wide-eyed ravers, free love and counterculture pharmacological spirituality. But beyond its cultural legacy, MDMA offers a potent therapeutic tool for doctors and therapists -- if we ca ... Show More
40m 15s
Sep 2023
Addicted to Fentanyl at 16
CW: This episode contains descriptions of addiction and SA.
Fentanyl, an incredibly potent synthetic opioid, presents an alarming and ever-growing threat to today's youth. Its prevalence and allure have ignited a public health emergency. Adolescents and young adults, in their qu ... Show More
1h 55m