A study published in the Lancet has concluded that alcohol is more harmful than heroin or crack cocaine when considering the overall dangers to both individuals and society. The research, co-authored by Professor David Nutt, the former government chief drugs adviser, ranked 20 drugs on 16 measures of harm.
The study found that heroin, crack, and crystal meth were most harmful to individuals, while alcohol, heroin, and crack cocaine were worst for society. Overall, alcohol was deemed the most harmful substance. The report also indicated that tobacco and cocaine were equally harmful, with ecstasy and LSD among the least damaging.
Professor Nutt, who was sacked in 2009 from his official post, formed the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs to investigate drug issues without political interference. The committee's findings contradict the UK's long-established drug classification system, arguing that current classifications have little relation to evidence of harm.
The study assessed drugs based on criteria including physical and mental damage, addiction, crime, economic costs, and family adversities. Alcohol was ranked three times more harmful than cocaine or tobacco, and five times more harmful than mephedrone, a so-called legal high recently classified as a Class B drug.
Gavin Partington of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association responded that alcohol misuse affects only a minority, and that extreme language risks alienating the public. A Home Office spokesman stated the government's priorities are to reduce drug use and help addicts recover.
