Is alcohol less harmful than heroin?

For most people, alcohol is a substance that can be enjoyed during social gatherings such as dinner parties, nights at the pub, or special events. Others like to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or when they come home from a hard day at the office. Those who drink in moderation do not see any problems with alcohol. As alcohol is legal and widely available, many people do not view it as a harmful substance that is highly addictive. In fact, those who drink sensibly would be shocked to hear that some believe alcohol to be more harmful than heroin.

Alcohol versus heroin

Heroin is a Class A illegal drug that most people consider to be one of the most damaging substances around. And while heroin addiction can be devastating and is linked to a number of serious consequences, alcohol can be just as destructive, despite the fact that it is legal.

Because alcohol is legal, most people do not believe that it can be dangerous. In some parts of the world, particularly in the West, it is considered normal and acceptable to be intoxicated at various celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and other festivals.

Alcohol consumption is generally shown in a positive light on television and in the movies, whereas heroin use is usually depicted in a negative way. The fact that it is illegal to possess and use heroin means that it automatically has a perception of being more harmful than alcohol, which is readily available and legal to purchase by those of an appropriate age.

Consequences of believing alcohol to be harmless

There are a number of dangers associated with the belief that alcohol is harmless, and that heroin addiction is much worse than alcoholism. Many alcoholics will justify their behaviour because they believe that alcohol abuse is not as bad as drug abuse. They believe that drinking is not as dangerous as doing drugs and may continue to abuse alcohol to the point where they develop a deadly addiction.

Alcohol abuse is a serious problem and one that affects millions of people around the world. Those affected are at higher risk of developing a host of problems including mental and physical health issues, financial struggles, and relationship troubles.

Alcohol affects almost every cell in the body and can lead to permanent damage. It is also linked to a variety of mental health issues including chronic depression and anxiety disorder. Those who develop alcohol addictions also have a higher risk of suicide as they struggle to deal with conditions such as depression.

Wider consequences of alcohol addiction

Alcoholism is known as a family illness because of the devastating impact it has on those affected and their loved ones. Those under the influence of alcohol can often become aggressive and violent, and this illness is closely linked to problems such as domestic violence.

Nevertheless, it is not just at home where alcoholism can cause problems. Violent acts are often committed as a result of inebriation outside the home, which can lead to damage to property and people. Criminal acts committed by those under the influence of alcohol are dealt with by police, and this costs the taxpayer. The taxpayer must also foot the bill for court cases brought against those who commit these crimes while affected by alcohol.

Alcohol also has an adverse impact on the health service, with millions of pounds spent every year treating alcohol-related illnesses and injuries.

So while there is no denying that heroin is an incredibly harmful substance that destroys the lives of so many people around the world, so too is alcohol. The only difference is that one substance is illegal and frowned upon while the other is legal and widely accepted.