Addicted to a toxin The body responds to alcohol in the same way it would a dangerous toxin. The feeling of being ‘drunk’ occurs when the liver can’t process the amount you are drinking quickly enough. This leads to a cacophony of neurobiological effects such as the release of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid – GABA, a neurotransmitter… Read more »
Month: April 2017
Does Tinder spell the end of romance?
Tinder for the uninitiated After five years in operation Tinders is now valued at over $3 billion, so what is it about Tinder that has made it so incredibly successful? For the uninitiated, Tinder works by presenting the user with photos of other users to which they are given the opportunity to ‘swipe’. Swiping right… Read more »
Sticky molecules and the ‘cocaine proof’ mouse
A biological basis for cocaine addiction. Addiction is a complex disease and genetics almost certainly play a role, not only in its severity, but in its likelihood of an individual becoming addicted in the first place. Cocaine is rated as the second most addictive narcotic behind heroin. So does cocaine addiction run in the blood? Or,… Read more »
Death on Prescription
Drug deaths rising year on year The widely publicised and shocking deaths of celebrities such as Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson and Prince have brought this epidemic hurtling to the forefront of the media. Endemic misuse of prescription drugs has traditionally been thought of as a US affliction, but new research conducted by Dr Scott Novak,… Read more »
Mephedrone ~ from legal high to Class B
Circumventing the Medicines Act Mephedrone (a.k.a. drone, meow meow, MCAT) is one of the lesser known illicit substances, or at least to the man-in-the-street. Its effects have been described as a hybrid of cocaine, MDMA and amphetamines, with some users going so far as to say it produces a better quality high than cocaine, while being… Read more »
MDMA – A greater danger to women than men
A staple for all-night ravers Research has found that MDMA (aka ecstasy, molly in the US, or mandy in the UK) could be more harmful to women than men. One of the most popular party drugs since the 80s, it has experienced a recent revival and surge in popularity in the clubbing, festival and dance scenes. A… Read more »
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