The most damaging drug

All recreational drugs have certain negative effects on our bodies, but not all drugs are the same. Different drugs have varying effects, some are more harmful than others. All of the drugs are damaging to our societies in various ways and again the extent of damage depends on the type of drug.

In 2010 researchers led by Professor David Nutt, former chief drug advisor of the British government, asked drug experts to rank 20 legal and illegal drugs on measures of harm to the user and to the society, such as damage to the health, addiction, economic costs, crime, etc. Drugs were given a score from 0 to 100.

Now, try guessing which is the most damaging drug. Heroin? Cocaine? Crack? If these were your guesses you were wrong. According to this research alcohol creates the most damage to the society and it is fourth most damaging drug to the user. See the chart.

Although this study was done in the UK and the situation in other countries might be different, it shows how dangerous alcohol is. I’m not advocating prohibition or any kind of bans, because they are always counter-productive, but this is something we should keep in mind. Alcohol is widely available, easily obtainable and the border between casual use and overuse (abuse) is often very thin.

Drink responsibly or don’t drink at all.