Drugs, Addiction & Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics, MDMA, Opioids, Cocaine, Amphetamine (Adderall), Nicotine, Marijuana & Alcohol | Robert Malenka | #162

Send us a text

About the guest: Robert Malenka, MD, PhD is psychiatrist & neuroscientist. He has spent most of his career at Stanford University, where his lab studies synaptic plasticity, mechanisms of drug action in the brain, and the neural basis of behavior.

Episode summary: Nick and Dr. Malenka discuss: mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the brain, such as LTP & LTD; addiction & the dopamine reward circuitry of the brain; psychoactive drugs ranging from stimulants (cocaine, nicotine, amphetamines) to opioids (fentanyl), psychedelics, MDMA, THC, and alcohol; and more.

Related episodes: 

• How Does Ketamine Work & Is It Addictive? | Christian Lüscher | #90
• Neuroscience of Social Behavior, Pain, Empathy, Emotion, Brain Mechanisms of MDMA | Monique Smith | #159

Support the show

All episodes (audio & video), show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack

Affiliates:

• MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn and grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils, artificial ingredients, etc. Use code MIND for 20% off.
• SiPhox Health—Affordable, at-home bloodwork w/ a comprehensive set of key health marker. Use code TRIKOMES for a 10% discount.
• Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Use code MIND for 10% off.
• Athletic Greens: Comprehensive & convenient daily nutrition. Free 1-year supply of vitamin D with purchase.

Learn all the ways you can support my efforts