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Bringing unbiased, evidence-based drug education to our campus
In Summer 2021, I helped set up the Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) chapter at Imperial College London. My initiation into London’s nightlife during my time as an undergraduate student inevitably included exposure to drugs, commonly demonised in the media. However, those taking drugs around me didn't look like the people shown in the documentaries shown in PSHE classes to scare us straight. My medicinal chemistry knowledge allowed me to delve into the science behind recreational drugs, and I stumbled across the concept of harm reduction. I wanted to bring this evidence-based information to our campus, to preserve the health and wellbeing of our student body. As Chair of SSDP Imperial, I secured our place in the Drug Science Student Society Network (SSN), allowing our students to network with members of other societies across the UK interested in drug policy reform. In June 2023, SSDP Imperial was awarded New Club, Society & Initiative of the Year at the Imperial College Union Awards.
I wrote in-depth about my experience as Chair of SSDP Imperial for Drug Science, which can be viewed here.
I wrote in-depth about my experience as Chair of SSDP Imperial for Drug Science, which can be viewed here.
During my tenure at SSDP Imperial, I created and disseminated unbiased, evidence-based drug information via our Instagram page. Combining medical literature with attractive graphic design, I was able to reach hundreds of students with realistic advice on reducing the harms related to drug use.
Though not taking drugs is the most effective way to eliminate all drug-related harms, telling people not to do drugs will not stop drug use. Thus, we focused on offering research-backed, pragmatic strategies to reduce risks such as dangerous drug combinations, adulterated drug supply, developing dependence, and experiencing an overdose.
Alongside our social media campaign, we invited experts in the drug science and policy field to share their knowledge and experiences with our student body. Speakers included Ivan Ezquerra-Romano: the founder of the harm reduction organisation Drugs and Me, and Prof. David Nutt: a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, the founder of Drug Science, and famously the ex-Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).
"Engaging in the drug science and policy space has given me a sense of purpose. It has allowed me to use my scientific expertise for a greater good; not driven by profit or prestige, but for the health and wellbeing of young people."
"Engaging in the drug science and policy space has given me a sense of purpose. It has allowed me to use my scientific expertise for a greater good; not driven by profit or prestige, but for the health and wellbeing of young people."
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