ALCOHOL MORE DANGEROUS THAN DRUGS?

Today, alcohol and tobacco are sort of socially accepted material, which are consumed by millions. The materials were very extensively studied and the health effects are quantified. The materials are known carcinogenic- can induce cancer. Addiction caused by the materials is also well known.

Any scientifically acceptable comparison of the chemicals/drugs require quantification of the all the relevant factors. Chemical composition of the material need to be known since the material may be mixture of many harmful chemicals which needs identification and quantification of the individual health risk. The chemicals / drugs consumed in combination may produce synergistic effects (the combined health effect is more than the added individual effects). The effect on the society is very difficult to quantify since the relevant parameters are dependent on the attitude / mindset of the study population and can not be generalized worldwide. Uncertainty is too much for any direct comparison.

Finally, one comes to the scientifically acceptable method of comparison, i.e., fatalities produced which are attributable to the consumption of the drugs over a period of time in a population group. Other health effects can also be quantified by the available evaluation methods. Thus total health effects, including genetic effects can be quantified and used for comparison.

Media should never use such titles to promote ideas such as one poison is better than other poison and hence more dangerous or safer!