If you’re looking to learn more about drug addiction, the effects drugs can have on people and more about the murky world of drugs, then there are plenty of online resources out there that can guide you.
Understanding the complexities of addiction can be really useful, whether you’re struggling yourself and thinking aboutdrug rehab, or you know others who may be in the cycle of abuse. While the likes of podcasts, reports and other studies online can be great for this, so too can TED Talks. There are some really interesting talks available through TED, covering all topics surrounding drug abuse and adding unique perspectives that you may never have thought about before.
So, if you’d like to know more about the ins and outs of drug abuse, here are five TED Talks you should consider watching…
Johann Hari – Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong
British-Swiss journalist Johann Hari provides a really interesting look at addiction in a talk that draws on both his personal experiences as well as the extensive research he’s undertaken on the subject matter. Hari changes the typical narrative around addiction, arguing that it’s not just chemical dependency but that the root of addiction is the disconnection from society, relationships and personal fulfillment.
He suggests that the likes of isolation, trauma and lack of connections with others play a far greater role in drug abuse and that in order to combat this we need to be more compassionate and connected in our everyday lives. His talk is all about how healing lies in building human connection and how everyone has their part to play in what is an optimistic and unique approach to a world that is currently rife with addiction.
Gabor Maté – The Power of Addiction and The Addiction to Power
Gabor Maté’s approach to drug addiction is one that is grounded in the emotional pain and trauma that often drives substance abuse. He suggests that it’s not a choice, but actually a way of dealing with pain and suffering.
It’s an important topic of conversation with Maté moving the narrative away from addiction being based upon a lack of willpower and he encourages people to readdress and reconsider how they view people struggling with addiction. He explains how it’s a far more complex issue and it’s intrinsically linked to human suffering and that we should find compassion within that.
Carl Hart – Let's Quit Abusing Drug Users
Carl Hart is a neuroscientist that looks more at how society treats people who use drugs and how perception needs to change. Hart has spent years researching the effects of drugs on the brain, but his TED Talk is all about the more societal aspects, arguing that the stigma and criminalisation of drug users does more harm than good.
His talk is all about taking a more nuanced approach to drug policy and how drug users are treated, explaining that policy reform should be on harm reduction and respect on human dignity rather than its current state. It’s certainly a unique and interesting look at drug policy and ethics around addiction.
Sarah-Jayne Blakemore – The Mysterious Workings of the Adolescent Brain
While not specifically about drug abuse,Sarah-Jayne Blakemore's TED Talkoffers key insights into the adolescent brain that are crucial for understanding why young people are especially vulnerable to addiction. Blakemore, a neuroscientist, explains the developmental changes that occur in the teenage brain and how this period of heightened plasticity can make adolescents more likely to engage in risky behaviours, including drug experimentation.
Her talk highlights the importance of understanding how adolescent brain development plays a role in addiction and how this knowledge can inform prevention strategies. For parents, educators, and policymakers, Blakemore’s insights offer valuable tools for addressing drug abuse among young people.
Nora Volkow – Why Do Our Brains Get Addicted?
Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, delves into the science of addiction in her informative TED Talk. Volkow explains how addictive substances hijack the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for individuals to break free from their dependency. She highlights the importance of treating addiction as a medical condition, not a moral failing.
Volkow’s talk is rich with scientific insights, making it a great resource for those looking to understand the biological mechanisms of addiction. She emphasises the need for compassion and medical intervention, rather than judgment, in helping people recover from substance abuse.