With television, newspapers, and the internet, you would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to know about the drug problems we have in the United States, as well as other countries. When most people think of drugs, however, they think of illegal drugs that are sold on the street. They seldom stop to think about prescription drugs and other substances that could be harmful. What is the most harmful drug?
Surprise – It’s not what you Think!
According to the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, alcohol tops the list of the twenty most harmful drugs. It even tops heroin and cocaine on that list. The list was created using a formula that ranked drugs on a scale of one to one hundred. The formula takes the harm that a drug does to the users of the drugs and other people into consideration. Sixteen different criteria were used to rank the drugs on the list, and nine of those related to the effect on the individual, while the other six related to the effect or harm to those around users.
Why Is Alcohol the Most Harmful Drug?
Using this formula, alcohol had a score of 72. In terms of harm to individuals, however, Methamphetamines, heroin, and crack cocaine topped the list. Alcohol topped the list based on the harm that it does to a user and to individuals who come into contact with that user.
While many will be surprised that alcohol is considered the most harmful drug, this really shouldn’t be so surprising when you consider the harm that it does to those who abuse alcohol, as well as the other people that this abuse affects. For example, if a woman is an alcoholic, her husband and children are affected. Her extended family members are also affected. Her co-workers may be affected, and of course, anyone who shares the road with her – should she drive while intoxicated – is also affected.
Alcohol Isn’t Always Harmful
Many types of alcohol in moderation are actually good for you, from a healthcare point of view. For example, one glass of red wine each day is healthy. One beer each day is also healthy – and for different reasons. The wine helps to keep your blood pressure in check, among other things, and the beer actually helps to flush your kidneys, making you healthier. Hard liquor, however, is always best avoided, because there is no health benefits associated with this type of alcohol, and this is the type of alcohol that is the most dangerous.
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