Experts

Experts from various disciplines have advised and influenced Global Drug Survey. They have come from medical, legal, harm reduction and policy backgrounds and have provided us with their expert opinion, helping make GDS the best it can be.

Angela Cottrell

Angela Cottrell is a doctor specializing in Urological Surgery based in the South West of the UK and studied Psychology at University College London. She developed a research interest into the effects of ketamine on the urinary tract whilst working at the Bristol Urological Institute. Her work has been published in numerous scientific journals and has presented her research in the US, Europe, Australasia and Asia and to the Advisory Committee for the Misuse of Drugs. Angela has established close links with a broad multidisciplinary network of experts aiming to further our understanding in the epidemiology and basic science of ketamine related pathology.

Kirstie Douse

Kirstie was appointed Head of Legal Services in January 2012. She is a solicitor who joined Release in 2008 as a legal advisor and was appointed Legal Services Manager in 2011.
Before joining Release Kirstie practiced as a solicitor specialising in criminal defence. Having become disillusioned with the way in which drug users are dealt with in the criminal justice system, Kirstie joined Release with a view to tackling the problems at an earlier stage in proceedings by challenging policy and procedure.

In addition to managing the Legal Team, Kirstie continues to advise clients on the legal helpline and at Release’s legal surgeries. She has become increasingly involved in the organisation’s policy and campaign work. Kirstie has a regular advice column in Drink and Drug News (‘Legal Line’) and has contributed to local and national press as well as Release publications. She has also presented at national and international conferences.