#673: Dr. Nora Volkow — Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) | Science vs

Intro

In this episode of the “Science vs” podcast, host Wendy Zukerman interviews Dr. Nora Volkow, the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Dr. Volkow shares her personal journey, her family’s history of political asylum, and how her upbringing led her to dedicate her career to helping those suffering from substance use disorder. She also discusses the current addiction crisis in the US, the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics, and innovative treatments for addiction.

Main Takeaways

Family History and Personal Motivation

• Addiction is a tragic issue that results in unnecessary loss of life.
• The speaker’s family history involves political asylum in Mexico for both sides of the family due to conflict in their home countries.
• Growing up in the house where Trotsky was killed and having a family history of fighting for justice has ingrained a sense of responsibility in the speaker to help the vulnerable and fight against injustices.
• The speaker’s upbringing led to her becoming the director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, where she can influence policies to help people suffering from substance use disorder.

Influence of Mentors and Research

• The speaker’s father was obsessed with having his daughters go into science, which led the speaker to pursue medical school and research.
• Juliane Villarreal, a pharmacologist, had a significant influence on the speaker’s career in research.
• Juliane Villarreal thought outside the box and inspired the speaker to do the same.
• Mentors should empower their mentees and encourage innovative thinking.

The Addiction Crisis in the US

• The addiction and overdose crisis in the US is severe and difficult to control.
• The crisis started with over-prescription of opioid medications, leading to addiction and the rise of heroin use.
• In 2016, fentanyl was introduced, a highly potent and addictive synthetic opioid that is cheap to manufacture and easy to distribute.
• New substances are emerging, making it a complex and evolving ecosystem of compounds that is expanding the number of people overdosing.

Potential Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics

• Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, show potential for treating depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
• Studies have shown that psilocybin can improve outcomes for patients with terminal illness, allowing them to accept their condition better emotionally.
• The effects of psilocybin on nicotine and alcohol use disorders appear to be larger than those of FDA-approved medications, but more research is needed to replicate the results and determine dosages.
• While the evidence for the use of psychedelics as therapeutics is limited, it is intriguing and warrants further research, as well as caution against premature conclusions and unregulated treatments.

Innovative Treatments for Addiction

• Low intensity ultrasound is being studied as a potential cure for addiction.
• Targets for ultrasound stimulation include the sub-talamic nucleus and nucleus accumbens.
• Pilot data shows immediate reduction in anxiety and craving after a single 10-minute session.
• Psychosurgery, using minimally invasive and precise techniques, is another intriguing option for addiction treatment.

Summary

Family History and Personal Motivation

Dr. Nora Volkow’s family history of political asylum and living in the house where Trotsky was killed shaped her sense of responsibility to help the vulnerable and fight against injustices. This led her to become the director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, where she can influence policies to help those suffering from substance use disorder.

Influence of Mentors and Research

Dr. Volkow’s father’s emphasis on science and her mentor, Juliane Villarreal, inspired her to pursue a career in research and think outside the box. She highlights the importance of mentors empowering their mentees and encouraging innovative thinking.

The Addiction Crisis in the US

The addiction crisis in the US started with over-prescription of opioid medications, leading to addiction and the rise of heroin use. The introduction of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, further exacerbated the crisis. The emergence of new substances has made the problem more complex and challenging to control.

Potential Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics

Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, show potential for treating depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Studies have shown positive outcomes for patients with terminal illness, although more research is needed. Caution is advised against premature conclusions and unregulated treatments.

Innovative Treatments for Addiction

Low intensity ultrasound and psychosurgery are being explored as potential treatments for addiction. Pilot data shows promising results with ultrasound stimulation, while psychosurgery offers a minimally invasive and precise option. Further research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety.

Conclusion

Dr. Nora Volkow’s personal journey and dedication to helping those suffering from substance use disorder highlight the importance of addressing the addiction crisis in the US. The potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics and innovative treatments offer hope for improved outcomes. However, further research, caution, and equitable access to treatment are crucial for progress in addiction treatment.