Researchers in London have recently rated 20 different drugs based on the various harms caused by each drug to the human body and to society. The scale was developed by the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs , an expert panel.

According to the scale, alcohol is worst drug for society and the fourth most detrimental drug to individuals.

Alcohol abuse affects nearly 17.6 million adults in the United States.

If you are a woman who has more than 3 drinks at one time or more than 7 drinks in one week or you are a man who drinks more than 4 drinks at one time or more than 14 drinks in one week, you should consider talking to a doctor.

If you have more than one of the following problems in a year, you may have a problem:

• You aren’t able to control how much or how often you drink.
• You drink more and more to get the same effect.
• You have withdrawal symptoms .
• You spend a great deal of time drinking and recovering from drinking.
• You have tried to quit drinking and haven’t been able to.
• You drink even though it causes harm in your relationships.
• You have developed health problems related to drinking.

Long-term drinking problems can lead to

• Damage of the liver, brain, nervous system and heart
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Cancer, specifically breast cancer
• Stroke
• Gallstones

For more information on alcoholism, visit one of the following websites:

• National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
  

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