About the Guest: Christian Luscher, MD, PhD is a neuroscientist and neurologist who runs a research lab at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Dr. Lusher's lab studies the mechanisms that underlie drug reinforcement and addiction in the brain and he is an expert in the neuroscience of drug addiction.
Episode Summary: Dr. Luscher talks to Nick Jikomes about: what is addiction is and what some key parts of the brain and neurotransmitter systems are involved in drug addiction; differences in the addictive potential of different types of drugs, ranging from stimulants (e.g. cocaine, nicotine, caffeine) to cannabinoids (e.g. THC), opioids, and psychedelics; the difference between addiction vs. dependency, habitual vs. goal-directed behavior; latest research on how dopamine & serotonin systems in the brain are both involved in drug-seeking behavior.
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