Drugs Unwrapped: The Podcast

How do we become anti-stigma?

In this Learning at Work Week special, we are joined by Barod's Operations Manager, Sian, to discuss how we can move from being non-stigmatising, to actively challenging and becoming anti-stigma. In this episode we discuss what stigma is and how it often looks within the substance use field. We also highlight the importance for this topic to be on the agenda and frequently discussed. We also discuss what being anti-stigma is and how people can make that shift away from just being non-stigmatising. If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.Contents of the video:(00:00) Highlights of the episode (01:26) Introduction (02:01) What is stigma? (03:01) What is anti-stigma? (06:32) How does stigma present itself within the substance use sector? (11:10) Why should we keep stigma on the agenda? (14:27) Get curious - practical steps to become anti-stigma (17:40) Impact of language upon people

Inside the Green Party’s Plan to Legalise Drugs

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Carrie Hamilton and Michael Wakelyn-Green, from the Green Party Drug Policy Working Group, to explore the party's proposed approach to drug policy. With recent focus on their long-term plan to legalise and regulate all drugs in the UK, we discuss how different drugs would be regulated and how the party would navigate obstacles including contravening UN conventions. We also dive into some of the party's short-term policies that could be implemented within the current legislative framework, including establishing more UK-based overdose prevention centres, to decriminalising the personal possession of cannabis. If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.Contents of the video: (00:00) Highlights of the episode (01:26) Introduction (05:27) Short-term policies under the current legislative framework (14:55) Decriminalisation vs legalisation (23:01) How would different drugs be regulated? (28:59) How would the money raised by a legally regulated market be redistributed? (32:46) Overcoming UN conventions (38:44) Responding to others saying legalising drugs send out the wrong message

Drugs on the brain with Professor David Nutt

In this episode, we’re joined by leading neuropsychopharmacologist, Professor David Nutt, for a deep dive into the human brain and its relationship with drugs. We discuss whether our brains are built to consume drugs; whether modern society is changing the brain's neurochemistry and making people more vulnerable to substance use; how benzodiazepines work on the brain; and whether there will ever be a 'methadone equivalent' for stimulants such as cocaine? We also draw upon Prof. Nutt's experience within the political arena, as the former chair of the Advisory Council of the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). We discuss what impact the potential reclassification of ketamine, to a Class A drug, may have. Alongside this, we explore whether the Green Party’s call to legalise and regulate all drugs is shifting the debate into the mainstream, challenging the idea that progressive drug reform is a political risk. If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066. Note: The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) makes recommendations to government on the control of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs, including classification and scheduling under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and its regulations. ACMD is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office]. Contents of the video: (00:00) Highlights of the episode (01:04) Introduction (02:34) The power of the brain (04:53) Why does understanding the brain matter when it comes to human behaviour? (09:00) Is the brain built to consume drugs? (13:23) Is modern society shaping our neurochemistry? (21:36) Do we know everything there is to know about drugs on the brain? (26:42) Pharmacological treatment for stimulant use and other drugs (33:27) Benzodiazepines (40:52) Reclassifying ketamine (48:15) Green Party's policy to regulate all drugs and previous political broken promises (52:49) Quickfire Q&A

The Manifesto Sessions: #9 Enhanced Harm Reduction Centres

**This episode was originally recorded as a webinar on the 17th February 2026** Our 9th webinar within our Manifesto Sessions webinar series focused on Enhanced Harm Reduction Centres (EHRCs). As part of our ‘Setting the blueprint for a more equal and prosperous Wales for people who use substances’, we want to establish memorandums of understanding to enable the implementation of EHRCs in Wales. Also known as Overdose Prevention Centres, Safer Injecting Facilities and Drug Consumption Rooms, EHRCs have long been part of effective, evidenced-based harm reduction responses to health-related matters due to substance use, and over 120 facilitates are currently operational worldwide. Establishing and operating EHRCs would be subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1971, which means that to legalise their establishment and operation, a working agreement must be drawn up with law enforcement, such as MOUs with each police force in Wales. This would guarantee that those operating the facility would not face legal challenge or be prosecuted. People in possession of illegal drugs at the facility or surrounding area would also not be arrested and / or punished. In this episode, we hear from Dr Saket Priyadarshi, Associate Medical Director at Greater Glasgow and Clyde alcohol and drug services. Dr Priyadarshi was one of the key figures in securing the UK's first ever EHRC, The Thistle in Glasgow. If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.Follow us on: Facebook: @wearebarod Instagram: @barodproject TikTok: @wearebarod YouTube: @barod2067 Bluesky: @wearebarod.bsky.social Contents of the video: 00:00 Introduction 02:52 Dr. Saket Priyadarshi 34:45 Q&A

Ketamine Assisted Therapy with Lucy da Silva

In this episode, we are joined by Lucy da Silva, recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring businesswomen. Lucy is the co-founder and CEO of Silva Wellness [https://silvawellness.com/] in London, which provides ketamine lozenge support for individuals who are experiencing a range of challenges. Lucy talks candidly about how Silva Wellness came about and where her passion comes from when delivering the unique ketamine assisted treatment. Lucy takes us on a tour of what the support looks like and how effective it has been for those that have received ketamine assisted therapy. If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.Follow us on: Facebook: @wearebarodInstagram: @barodprojectTikTok: @wearebarodYouTube: @barod2067Bluesky: @wearebarod.bsky.social Contents of the video: 00:00 Highlights of the podcast 01:30 Introduction 02:20 Establishing Silva Wellness 06:16 Ketamine lozenge support 12:00 Who accesses ketamine lozenge support? 18:16 How do people access ketamine lozenge support? 29:53 Dealing with misconceptions of ketamine 36:20 Future research of ketamine assisted therapy