Drug Users and Abusers

Drugs can be many things: legal, illegal, recreational and medical. A drug can be an illegal substance with mind-altering, addictive effects, or a vital treatment for disease. But in reality, many drugs are both these things. Marijuana, for example, is used by many sufferers of multiple sclerosis or terminal cancer, while ecstasy and amphetamines can also be used to treat disease.

But what happens when you become addicted to a drug? Even when the drug in question is legal, addiction can ruin lives. And when the drug’s illegal, a whole host of other problems arise.

Experts still do not agree completely on what happens in the brain during drug addiction. In general, drugs affect the brain by interacting with receptors located on brain cells. Many drugs mimic the action of the brain’s own signalling chemicals or neurotransmitters, and so disrupt the brain chemistry. If drug use becomes a regular habit, the brain chemistry is permanently altered.

Addiction is difficult and expensive to treat, and is a major burden on public funds. So how can we come to a better understanding of drugs and addiction? How does the legality of drugs affect this issue? Is addiction physical, psychological, or both? Our experts will tell you all this and more.

Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the British Pharmacological Society

Speakers

Roger Brownsword, King’s College London
David Dexter, Imperial College, London
Clare Hodges who has multiple sclerosis
Roger Pertwee, University of Aberdeen
Harry Shapiro, DrugScope

Chair:
Gill Samuels, Consultant and Chair of Bioscience Futures Forum