Drugs Unwrapped: The Podcast

Barod

Drugs Unwrapped is a podcast brought to you by Barod. Does an addictive personality exist? What's it like to overdose? Is taking drugs part of growing up? How does the war on drugs affect those that use substances? Each episode will ask a question and be debated by those at the front face of treatment services, supporting people affected by substance use. We will also hear personal life stories from those who have used drugs. Nothing is off limits.

  1. Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs: What's the appeal?

    Jun 2

    Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs: What's the appeal?

    In this episode, we are joined by Liberty Musungo, Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) Lead for Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS). Liberty takes us through what IPEDs are and how they work on the body. We also discuss why people take IPEDs and why injecting them is considered safer than using the substances in tablet or cream forms. We also discuss how people use them, in the form of cycles and why doing post-cycle treatments are essential as part of the process of using IPEDs. Plus we talk through how influential peer-led advice and social media is, when it comes to people using IPEDs. 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 (01:00) Introduction (02:00) Setting up the IPED service (04:39) What are IPEDs? (12:48) Peptides (14:05) Side effects of taking testosterone (15:45) IPEDs to build muscle (17:10) Impact of IPEDs on natural testosterone production (19:35) IPED cycle and PCT (29:23) Trends (34:04) Social media and peer influence (40:03) Risks

    46 min
  2. How do we become anti-stigma?

    May 19

    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

    23 min
  3. Inside the Green Party’s Plan to Legalise Drugs

    Apr 21

    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

    43 min
  4. Drugs on the brain with Professor David Nutt

    Mar 25

    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. 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

    55 min
  5. The Manifesto Sessions: #9 Enhanced Harm Reduction Centres

    Mar 13

    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

    54 min
  6. Ketamine Assisted Therapy with Lucy da Silva

    Feb 25

    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 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

    42 min
  7. The Manifesto Sessions: #8 Community-based drug checking

    Feb 9

    The Manifesto Sessions: #8 Community-based drug checking

    **This episode was originally recorded as a webinar on 27th January 2026** Our 8th webinar in our Manifesto Sessions webinar series focused on community drug checking services. As part of our ‘Setting the blueprint for a more equal and prosperous Wales for people who use substances’, we want community drug checking services to be part and parcel of harm reduction interventions across Wales. Drug checking services allow people to get their substances tested, often by voluntarily dropping off their sample without fear of arrest, and subsequently provides individuals with information of the content of their substances, as well as tailored harm reduction advice and often, brief interventions.  The need for community-based services is as significant as ever, given the threats posed by dangerous and toxic substances, most notably synthetic opioids, emerging within the illegal drugs market. Community-based services, by being situated within current treatment services, can give timely information regarding the contents of the samples tested, as well as provide a human touch by having face to face harm reduction discussions and opening the door for people to access treatment, if required. In this episode, we hear from Katy Porter, CEO of The Loop, and Gavin Jones, Head of Operations, Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS). Content of the video: 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Gavin Jones 12:22 Katy Porter 38:10 Q&A

    56 min
  8. "I've lost my bladder to ketamine"

    Jan 26

    "I've lost my bladder to ketamine"

    In this episode, we’re joined by Ollie, who had his bladder removed at just 24 after long-term ketamine use. Now the founder of Ketamine Support Wales, Ollie shares his eight-year journey — from first trying ketamine at a party at 15, to the severe physical pain that eventually led to life-changing surgery. Ollie talks candidly about his ketamine use, from when he first started using it, the experiences while under the influence, to when he first started noticing warning signs of his prolonged use. Ollie also discusses how and why he set up Ketamine Support Wales and what advice he would give to others who are thinking about, or already using, ketamine. You can follow Ketamine Support Wales on Instagram: @ketamine_support_wales and Ollie on TikTok: @oliver.westall. 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 01:00 Introduction 01:53 Start of Ollie's ketamine journey 04:24 Initial perceptions and knowledge of ketamine 08:51 K-holes 10:29 Ketamine cramps 16:47 Incontinence 18:27 Realisation something needed to change 29:10 Ketamine Support Wales 33:59 Advice to others

    39 min
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About

Drugs Unwrapped is a podcast brought to you by Barod. Does an addictive personality exist? What's it like to overdose? Is taking drugs part of growing up? How does the war on drugs affect those that use substances? Each episode will ask a question and be debated by those at the front face of treatment services, supporting people affected by substance use. We will also hear personal life stories from those who have used drugs. Nothing is off limits.

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