Drugs, Science and Society - Past, Present and Future

Explore the complex history and future of drugs in society through this thought-provoking Royal Institution event. Delve into the use of narcotics from ancient Egypt to modern times, examining the evolution of societal and political attitudes towards drugs. Learn about early scientific experiments with nitrous oxide and opium in the 18th and 19th centuries, and how they blurred the lines between medical and recreational use. Discover how drugs like morphine became invaluable medicines while others faced increasing regulation. Analyze the current challenges in drug policy, including political interference, media influence, and the role of the alcohol industry. Consider controversial questions about drug classification and the potential future of drugs in society. Gain insights from experts in the fields of literature, psychiatry, and neuropsychopharmacology as they discuss the past, present, and future of our relationship with drugs.