On Drugs

CBC

On Drugs looks through the lenses of history, pop culture and personal experience to understand how drugs have shaped our world. Because even if it’s just caffe...

Society & Culture

Available Episodes

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Where can I get gender-affirming drugs?
For our final episode of Season 3, we’re looking at the fight for access to hormone therapy — and what happens when the system fails. Historian Samantha Rosenthal traces the long history of medical gatekeeping, while Dr. Ted Jablonski breaks down the risks and realities of DIY transition. From prescriptions to homebrew, who gets to decide what care looks like?
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52:39
S3 EP 9 Do drugs belong in therapy?
With the rise of psychedelic therapy, questions arise about the ethics, effectiveness, and experiences it brings. In this episode, a visit to a psychedelic therapy clinic. Geoff also talks with Dr. Hillary McBride, host of Other People’s Problems, to explore how substances are reshaping mental health treatments – including her own experience. What might be possible when traditional therapy meets psychedelics?Listen to more episodes of Other People’s Problems here.
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39:48
S3 E8 Should I keep vaping?
Is vaping just as harmful as smoking, or a safer alternative? Following her attempt to quit cigarettes, Hadeel finds herself switching to a vape and wonders what dangers it holds. Geoff talks to Dr. Laura Crotty Alexander to understand the mixed messages around vaping, nicotine addiction, and the realities of "safer" choices.And check out our previous episode on smoking here.
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42:45
S3 E7 What’s the deal with Ketamine?
Ketamine is making headlines as a treatment for depression, but what exactly does it do? From its roots in anesthetic use to its reputation as a club drug, Geoff examines the science and history of ketamine with Dr. Bita Moghaddam. The episode also looks at its unique psychological effects, including the infamous “K-hole,” and how it’s being used today in groundbreaking therapies.Listen to Julian Uzielli’s documentary here: lnk.to/Loyxt1
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42:08
S3 E6 Anesthetic: Where do we go when we go under?
What happens to our consciousness when we're put under? This episode dives into the science and mystery of anesthesia, featuring insights from Kate Cole-Adams and Dr. George Mashour. From the physical processes to the philosophical questions, Geoff explores what happens in the in-between state, offering a glimpse into one of medicine’s most fascinating frontiers. Just a heads up, this episode contains graphic descriptions of surgery. Please take care when listening.Take a listen to Dr. George Mashour’s tunes here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oJfy4esJy4yrmf7bDZE6h
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46:24

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About On Drugs

On Drugs looks through the lenses of history, pop culture and personal experience to understand how drugs have shaped our world. Because even if it’s just caffeine or ibuprofen, there’s a good chance you’re on drugs right now.

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