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
Oct 1
Why We Never Forget Our Teen Years, with Lisa Damour
Our brains go completely WILD when we go through our teenage years. It’s a time where it feels like every disagreement with our parents turns into World War III, and every idea that could get us killed sounds like the most fun we could ever have. In this episode, we get into the ... Show More
58m 38s
Sep 24
Stress: The Science of Chilling Out
Stress! We’re all feeling it. And besides just feeling crappy, we’re also told that stress can wreak havoc on our bodies. The internet has a million solutions: vagus nerve stimulators, deep breaths, or a hot sauna! If that doesn’t work, maybe a cold plunge? But what does the scie ... Show More
40m 22s
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 12m
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