Study: Alcohol 'most harmful drug,' followed by crack and heroin

[Gerald]

London, England (CNN) -- Alcohol ranks "most harmful" among a list of 20 drugs, beating out crack and heroin when assessed for its potential harm to the individual imbibing and harm to others, according to study results released by a British medical journal.A panel of experts from the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs weighed the physical, psychological, and social problems caused by the drugs and determined that alcohol was the most harmful overall, according to an article on the study released by The Lancet on Sunday.

Using a new scale to evaluate harms to individual users and others, alcohol received a score of 72 on a scale of 1 to 100, the study says. It was compared to 19 other drugs using 16 criteria: nine related to the adverse effects the drug has on an individual and seven on its harm against others.

That makes it almost three times as harmful as cocaine or tobacco, according to the article, which is slated to be published on The Lancet's website Monday and in an upcoming print edition of the journal.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/01/alcohol.harm/index.html?hpt=C2



Note:November 1, 2010 - Updated 1714 GMT (0114 HKT)

[Takeda Shingen]

It is no secret that a good portion of what can be labeled as 'forum stupidity' around here is alcohol-related.

[Gerald]

:haha:

[DarkFish]

the physical, psychological, and social problems caused by the drugsWhile it's certainly true that an addiction isn't exactly good for your social life, limited use of drugs can be. What's better than spending the night drinking with your friends, and afterwards blowing some weed in the park?:cool:

Same often goes for health. It's pretty common knowledge that alcohol is rather poisonous, but up until 2 glasses a day IIRC, it's actually good for your health.
So while overuse of drugs can cause certain problems, as long as you're careful it's often better/healthier to use drugs than not.

[Gerald]

Just so, a glass of wine or some beer is ok, I think, and also with your friends, sit at home and drink myself I would never do, an unthinkable situation

[Buddahaid]

I'd like to see how they weighted the study. Way more people imbibe than burn crack, and some drugs are used together frequently. :doh:

[Gerald]

The alcohol would top the list, was hardly a surprise, but unfortunately there are other drugs in the article that are easy to come by, so that considerable potential security risk for the individual and society.

[gimpy117]

Yes, Binge drinking is a problem. But I go to WMU, and the last kid i remember to go to the hospital in the dorms overdosed on herione. Lots of kids drink and are fine.

[antikristuseke]

It is no secret that a good portion of what can be labeled as 'forum stupidity' around here is alcohol-related.

Whats that, me and dowly? :haha:

[Ducimus]

Miller lite, and Captain Morgan mixed with diet pepsi, how I love thee.

[DarkFish]

Whats that, me and dowly? :haha:hey! you're forgetting about me!:stare:

[Ducimus]

I've got a duink posting of six under my belt as well. :D

[Gerald]

Miller lite, and Captain Morgan mixed with diet pepsi, how I love thee.

http://imgur.com/dOatf.jpg
http://imgur.com/0xLGx.jpg

[krashkart]

It is no secret that a good portion of what can be labeled as 'forum stupidity' around here is alcohol-related.

Every time a drunken rant is posted, an lolcat dies. :wah:

[razark]

Every time a drunken rant is posted, an lolcat dies. :wah:
That's incentive enough for me. I'm off to grab the bottle of gin.

[Gerald]

Do you drink gin as it is, or do you have anything in...

[razark]

Gin and tonic is my usual drink of choice. Lime is nice, but optional.

I started drinking it back in college. It seems none of my friends liked it, so I kept a bottle around. If I had whiskey, or vodka, or anything else, it would disappear pretty quick. Gin? My own private bottle. :D

[gimpy117]

http://www.socialtikmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/four-loko.jpg
:up::up::up:

[Tchocky]

Oy, don't talk to me about alcohol until this wears off.

[Gerald]

Gin is really a special taste, either you're for or against, but a whiskey is never wrong, and then I take it as it is, never with water or ice :know:

[Skybird]

Most dangeous drug in the world doing more damage to health and causing more costs to the healthcare systems than any other?

White sugar.

[Submarine]

http://www.socialtikmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/four-loko.jpg
:up::up::up:

Man, those things mess you up! My friend buys them all the time.

[The Third Man]

In that case automobiles/public transportation are more dangerous than both..combined. I won't be giivng up either any time soon.

[Gerald]

http://www.socialtikmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/four-loko.jpg
:up::up::up: :roll:

[Takeda Shingen]

http://www.socialtikmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/four-loko.jpg
:up::up::up:

Stimulants and depressants all wrapped up into one? I can't say that I think it a good idea.

[razark]

http://www.socialtikmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/four-loko.jpg
:up::up::up:
I've never understood this trend for caffeine and alcohol. If the room is spinning, I want to be able to sleep it off. Then again, a thermos of 1 part coffee, 1 part kahlua, and 1 part irish cream, serve in the back row of a dark lecture hall... I really enjoyed that class, whatever it was.

Gin is really a special taste, either you're for or against, but a whiskey is never wrong, and then I take it as it is, never with water or ice
I need to find a decent whiskey, and give it a try. I really haven't had much since my heavy drinking days at school.

[Takeda Shingen]

I need to find a decent whiskey, and give it a try. I really haven't had much since my heavy drinking days at school.

Try some Ezra Brooks 12-year. A little pricey as bourbon goes, but I promise you won't be disappointed.

http://www.bourbonenthusiast.com/forum/DBvd.php?id=294&task=displaybottling

[Gerald]

Bourbon can be perfectly OK, if it is not too bitter, :yep:

[razark]

Ah! Subsim!

Where one gets recommendations on good brands of whiskey in a thread about how bad alcohol is.

Looks like I need to make a trip to the liquor store.

[Takeda Shingen]

Ah! Subsim!

Where one gets recommendations on good brands of whiskey in a thread about how bad alcohol is.

:haha: Yeah, that's us alright.

[Gerald]

Then Gin bottle apparently is half empty, :O:

[Takeda Shingen]

Bourbon can be perfectly OK, if it is not too bitter, :yep:

Don't get me wrong, I love good Scotch, but sometimes the bitterness of burbon is a nice change from the smokey-sweetness of peat.

[Submarine]

Anyone else find how ironic this thread is. Started as a discussion on a health study saying that alcohol is an extremely dangerous drug, to people talking about their favorite alcohols.

Anyway, the study is bullcrap. I like a good Belgium beer, and plain regular vodka, not flavored or mixed with anything. That is a disgrace to good vodka :nope:

[kiwi_2005]

Drinking in moderation is okay but binge drinking is not, I remember my binge drinking days crazy times :haha:. Now its 4 cans of beer and im out like a light :har:

[Buddahaid]

I've never understood this trend for caffeine and alcohol. If the room is spinning, I want to be able to sleep it off. Then again, a thermos of 1 part coffee, 1 part kahlua, and 1 part irish cream, serve in the back row of a dark lecture hall... I really enjoyed that class, whatever it was.


I need to find a decent whiskey, and give it a try. I really haven't had much since my heavy drinking days at school.

Come to San Francisco. We invented Irish Coffee. :arrgh!:

[Buddahaid]

Anyone else find how ironic this thread is. Started as a discussion on a health study saying that alcohol is an extremely dangerous drug, to people talking about their favorite alcohols.

Anyway, the study is bullcrap. I like a good Belgium beer, and plain regular vodka, not flavored or mixed with anything. That is a disgrace to good vodka :nope:

Alcohol has ruined this thread. See how destructive it is? :ping:

[antikristuseke]

I need to find a decent whiskey, and give it a try. I really haven't had much since my heavy drinking days at school.

Can't go wrong with Caol Ila 12yo single malt.

[joea]

Can't go wrong with Caol Ila 12yo single malt.

I got a Caol Ila 18 yo as a birthday gift last year-it was superb. :DL

Edit: Remember we are all subsimmers here-thus virtual sailors and recall what Churchill said about the Royal Navy's traditions. I don't think sodomy and the lash would appeal to me (though to some here I wonder :hmmm: ) but "rum" certainly does.

[Skybird]

Ah! Subsim!

Where one gets recommendations on good brands of whiskey in a thread about how bad alcohol is.

:haha:

[antikristuseke]

I got a Caol Ila 18 yo as a birthday gift last year-it was superb. :DL

Edit: Remember we are all subsimmers here-thus virtual sailors and recall what Churchill said about the Royal Navy's traditions. I don't think sodomy and the lash would appeal to me (though to some here I wonder :hmmm: ) but "rum" certainly does.

Prefer the 12 year old personally though.

[Diopos]

Prefer the 12 year old personally though.

What 12 year old, exactly do you mean? Rum, lash or ... the other thingy!
:hmmm:

:DL

.

[Dowly]

Girl.


Har har har. :O:

[antikristuseke]

Boy:O:

[Dowly]

Let's make a compromise, lady boy.

[antikristuseke]

I can work with that.

[Penguin]

Gin and tonic is my usual drink of choice. Lime is nice, but optional.

I started drinking it back in college. It seems none of my friends liked it, so I kept a bottle around. If I had whiskey, or vodka, or anything else, it would disappear pretty quick. Gin? My own private bottle. :D

haha, good tactics, works for me. >21 years of Gin abstinence now - resulting from a bad Gin evening, only one of us was delivered to the hospital though - the mayors grandson :D

In hard liqour there's only one choice: single-malt!


Edit: Remember we are all subsimmers here-thus virtual sailors and recall what Churchill said about the Royal Navy's traditions. I don't think sodomy and the lash would appeal to me (though to some here I wonder :hmmm: ) but "rum" certainly does.

Thanks, now I finally know where the title of one of my Pogues records comes from!

[Gerald]

Don't get me wrong, I love good Scotch, but sometimes the bitterness of burbon is a nice change from the smokey-sweetness of peat. there are different times and for a change so can one be a little better than the others, and so many different tastes there, only it is a challenge by itself.

[Gerald]

http://imgur.com/ZZDrl.jpg

[FIREWALL]

All of you better stay out of your parents liquor cabinet. :haha:

[Gerald]

Thanks for the advice ... but that was long ago that I opened their cupboards, :D

[krashkart]

In light of these shocking scientific findings, nothing has changed:


http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=179&pictureid=2567

We men still want beer! :arrgh!:

[UnderseaLcpl]

London, England (CNN) -- Alcohol ranks "most harmful" among a list of 20 drugs, beating out crack and heroin when assessed for its potential harm to the individual imbibing and harm to others, according to study results released by a British medical journal.A panel of experts from the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs weighed the physical, psychological, and social problems caused by the drugs and determined that alcohol was the most harmful overall, according to an article on the study released by The Lancet on Sunday.

Using a new scale to evaluate harms to individual users and others, alcohol received a score of 72 on a scale of 1 to 100, the study says. It was compared to 19 other drugs using 16 criteria: nine related to the adverse effects the drug has on an individual and seven on its harm against others.

That makes it almost three times as harmful as cocaine or tobacco, according to the article, which is slated to be published on The Lancet's website Monday and in an upcoming print edition of the journal.


In related news, recent studies have found that being a member of a British nanny-state that has absolutely no business poking its nose into the affairs of its citizenry and other nations can lead to a drastic decline in colonies, world standing, and navies. More on this later.

Another report, forwarded to us by associates in the US media, indicates that legalization of alcohol is about nine-thousand times less likely to result in in a futile, 52 billion dollar per year DEA campaign to eradicate illegal substance abuse. A DEA spokesman had this to say; "We are dedicated to the impossible task of keeping people from buying crap they want to buy because our jobs are on the line and we're pretty good at making up a bunch of BS to make it seem like we're helping them. Some say that the war on drugs is a futile effort and that we're doing more harm than good, but that won't stop us from pretending to be vigilant and sanctimonious agents in this war on drugs. Besides that, our efforts against drugs have permanently silenced over 16,000 drug traffickers and buyers this year, and imprisoned another 50 thousand at taxpayer expense. If that isn't progress, I don't know what is."

The Bureau of Duping Idiots Out of Their Hard-Earned Wages by Taking Advantage of Their Morality declined to comment.

[Jimbuna]

In related news, recent studies have found that being a member of a British nanny-state that has absolutely no business poking its nose into the affairs of its citizenry and other nations can lead to a drastic decline in colonies, world standing, and navies. More on this later.

Another report, forwarded to us by associates in the US media, indicates that legalization of alcohol is about nine-thousand times less likely to result in in a futile, 52 billion dollar per year DEA campaign to eradicate illegal substance abuse. A DEA spokesman had this to say; "We are dedicated to the impossible task of keeping people from buying crap they want to buy because our jobs are on the line and we're pretty good at making up a bunch of BS to make it seem like we're helping them. Some say that the war on drugs is a futile effort and that we're doing more harm than good, but that won't stop us from pretending to be vigilant and sanctimonious agents in this war on drugs. Besides that, our efforts against drugs have permanently silenced over 16,000 drug traffickers and buyers this year, and imprisoned another 50 thousand at taxpayer expense. If that isn't progress, I don't know what is."

The Bureau of Duping Idiots Out of Their Hard-Earned Wages by Taking Advantage of Their Morality declined to comment.

Get in there James :yeah::rock:

My own favourite

http://www.firstdrinks.co.uk/images/woods_100_3.jpg

Plus a nice one I got off my mate TarJak in Texas

http://www.yes2rum.com/images/rums/Rum/Bundaberg%20Rum%20Op.jpg

[CaptainHaplo]

Liquor? I don't even know her!!!!

On anothe, rather disturbing note.....:o

"Dowly: Let's make a compromise, lady boy."

"antikristuseke: I can work with that. "

Each to their own, but better you than me on that one, antikristuseke......

[Takeda Shingen]

http://imgur.com/ZZDrl.jpg

I'm not too much of a whiskey snob, so I would drink Jack if it were being served, but with no ice. I never could stand the rocks.

[Gerald]

In all honesty, I'm not much for rocks nor, :yep:

[antikristuseke]

Jack is only good for breakfast or when you have a beer to wash it down, but that gets you smashed fast.

[Gerald]

Breakfast, great man a liquid such, :D

[Gerald]

The reaction to my report shows how sterile our drugs debate has become. But there's still a chance we can reach consensus.Since pointing out this week that alcohol is more harmful than any other drug, I have been painted as an alcohol prohibitionist or, conversely, as someone who wants to legalise all drugs. Neither is true, and this misrepresentation is testament to how sterile this debate has become. We must get beyond this.

My interest has always been to develop a rational scale of drug harm to enable policymakers to get to grips with a significant social problem, irrespective of legal status. If alcohol was discovered today it would be controlled as an illegal drug alongside similar sedatives such as GHB and GBL. Certainly it is far more dangerous than any other legally available substance. Of course, many people are social drinkers, apparently unharmed by this pleasure. But if only 10% of the 40 million UK drinkers are significantly harmed, this total is still 10 times that of the next most harmful drug, heroin. Many social drinkers also imbibe at well above the safe levels, their health silently damaged.

Historically alcohol has been treated differently from other drugs. For most of the past millennium beers were the only safe liquid to drink, as river water was so polluted. Small – that is, weak – beer was drunk throughout the day.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/05/alcohol-drug-worse-than-heroin


Note:Friday 5 November 2010 20.30 GMT