Pick your poison (774 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 0.84 on 37 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by livEvil (View user info) at 2006-08-01 13:00:27 EDT
The UK goverment recently commissioned psychopharmacologist Professor
David Nutt and neuroscientist Professor Colin Blakemore to rank recreational
drugs by their dangerousness. This is allegedly the first ranking based
upon scientific evidence of harm to both individuals and society. It was devised
by government advisers and then ignored by ministers because of its
controversial findings.
1: Heroin (Class A)
ORIGIN: Vast majority comes from poppy fields of Afghanistan.
MEDICAL: Sedative made from the opium poppy. Can be smoked or injected to produce
a 'rush'. Users feel lethargic but experience severe cravings for the drug.
NO. OF UK USERS: 40,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 744
STREET VALUE: £30-100 a gram
DANGER RATING: 2.75/3
2: Cocaine (Class A)
ORIGIN: Made from coca shrubs from Colombia and Bolivia.
MEDICAL: Stimulant made from leaves of the coca bush. Increases alertness and
confidence but raises heart rate and blood pressure and users will crave it.
NO. OF UK USERS: 800,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 147
STREET VALUE: £30-55 a gram
DANGER RATING: 2.25/3
3: Barbiturates (Class B)
ORIGIN: Synthetic lab-made drugs, used to be prominent in clubs
MEDICAL:Powerful sedatives. Widely prescribed as sleeping pills but dangerous
in overdose and now superseded by safer drugs.
NO. OF UK USERS: Not many
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 14
STREET VALUE: £1-2 a tablet
DANGER RATING: 2.10/3
4: Street Methadone (Class A)
ORIGIN: Synthetic drug similar to heroin but less addictive
MEDICAL: Similar to morphine and heroin and used to wean addicts off these
drugs because it is less sedating. Street versions may be contaminated.
NO. OF UK USERS: 20,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 200
STREET VALUE: £2 a dose
DANGER RATING: 1.90/3
5: Alcohol (Legal)
ORIGIN: Brewed across the world in many different forms
MEDICAL:Central nervous system depressant used to reduce inhibitions and increase
sociability. Increasing doses lead to intoxication, coma and respiratory failure.
NO. OF UK USERS: Most adults
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 22,000
STREET VALUE: £2.25 pint of lager
DANGER RATING: 1.85/3
6: Ketamine (Class C)
ORIGIN: Anaesthetic drug popular on club and rave scene
MEDICAL:Intravenous anaesthetic used on humans and animals which, when taken
in tablet form, creates hallucinatory experiences.
NO. OF UK USERS: Unknown
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: N/A
STREET VALUE: £15-50 a gram
DANGER RATING: 1.80/3
7: Benzodiazopines (Class C)
ORIGIN: Tranquilisers used to beat anxiety and insomnia
MEDICAL:The most common prescription tranquillisers. Effective sedatives
which have a calming effect, reducing anxiety, but are addictive.
NO. OF UK USERS: 160,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 206
STREET VALUE: Prescription drug
DANGER RATING: 1.75/3
8: Amphetamines (Class B)
ORIGIN: Synthetic stimulants snorted, mixed in drink or injected
MEDICAL:Man-made drugs that increase heart rate and alertness. Users may
feel paranoid. Newer form, methamphetamine, is addictive.
NO. OF UK USERS: 650,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 33
STREET VALUE: £2-10 a gram
DANGER RATING: 1.70/3
9: Tobacco (Legal)
ORIGIN: Most of the leaf comes from the Americas
MEDICAL: Contains nicotine, a fast-acting stimulant which is highly addictive.
Tobacco causes lung cancer and increases the risk of heart disease.
NO. OF UK USERS: 12.5m
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 114,000
STREET VALUE: £4.50 a packet
DANGER RATING: 1.65/3
10: Buprenorphine (Class C)
ORIGIN: Can be made in a laboratory
MEDICAL: More expensive alternative to methadone used to wean addicts off heroin.
Preferred by some addicts because it leaves them more 'clear headed.'
NO. OF UK USERS: Unknown
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: N/A
STREET VALUE: Unknown
DANGER RATING: 1.55/3
11: Cannabis (Class C)
ORIGIN: Plant is easily cultivated in temperate climates
MEDICAL: Leaves of the cannabis sativa plant or resin can be smoked or eaten.
It is a relaxant but stronger forms can also cause hallucinations and panic attacks.
NO. OF UK USERS: 3m
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 16
£40-100 an ounce
DANGER RATING: 1.40/3
12: Solvents (Legal)
ORIGIN: Organic compounds found in glues, paints, lighter fluid.
MEDICAL: Includes glue, gas lighters, some aerosols and paint thinners.
Produces euphoria and loss of inhibitions but can cause blackouts and death.
NO. OF UK USERS: 37,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 53
STREET VALUE: £9.99 a tin of paint
DANGER RATING: 1.35/3
13: 4-MTA (Class A)
ORIGIN: Amphetamine derivative; similar effects to ecstasy
MEDICAL: Amphetamine derivative, similar to ecstasy, and also known as
'flatliners'. Popular dance drug, producing feelings of euphoria.
NO. OF UK USERS: Unknown
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: N/A
STREET VALUE: Unknown
DANGER RATING: 1.30/3
14: LSD (Class A)
ORIGIN: Hallucinogenic, synthetic drug more popular in 1960s
MEDICAL: Man-made drug that has a strong effect on perception. Effects
include hallucinations and loss of sense of time. A 'bad trip' can cause anxiety.
NO. OF UK USERS: 70,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: N/A
STREET VALUE: £1-5 a tab
DANGER RATING: 1.25/3
15: Methylphenidate (Class B)
ORIGIN: Medicine, similar to amphetamines
MEDICAL: The chemical name for Ritalin, the stimulant drug used to treat children
with attention deficit hyperactive disorder which helps them concentrate.
NO. OF UK USERS: Unknown
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: N/A
STREET VALUE: Unknown
DANGER RATING: 1.20/3
16: Anabolic Steroids (Class C)
ORIGIN: Hormones used by bodybuilders and sportsmen
MEDICAL: Synthetic drugs that have a similar effect to hormones such as
testosterone. Used by body builders to increase muscle bulk.
NO. OF UK USERS: 38,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: N/A
STREET VALUE: £7.99 a tablet
DANGER RATING: 1.15/3
17: GHB (Class C)
ORIGIN: Synthetic drug, sold as 'liquid ecstasy'
MEDICAL: The date rape drug, Gammahydroxybutyrate, is a sedative that has
a relaxing effect, reducing inhibitions, but can lead to stiff muscles and fits.
NO. OF UK USERS: Not many
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 3
STREET VALUE: £15 a bottle
DANGER RATING: 1.10/3
18: Ecstasy (Class A)
ORIGIN: Synthetic drug in tablets; popular in dance scene
MEDICAL: MDMA or similar man-made chemicals. Causes adrenaline rushes and
feelings of wellbeing but also anxiety and high body temperature.
NO. OF UK USERS: 800,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 33
STREET VALUE: £1-5 a pill
DANGER RATING: 1.05/3
19: Alkyl Nitrites (Legal)
ORIGIN: Liquid, better known as 'poppers'; inhaled
MEDICAL: Gives a strong, joyous rush and a burst of energy for a few minutes
which quickly fades and can leave a powerful headache.
NO. OF UK USERS: 550,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: N/A
STREET VALUE: £2-6 for 10ml
DANGER RATING: 0.95/3
20: Khat (Legal)
ORIGIN: Green-leaf shrub grown in region of Southern Africa
MEDICAL: Natural stimulant, its leaves are chewed to produce a feeling of
wellbeing and happiness. Popular with the Somali community.
NO. OF UK USERS: 40,000
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: Not many
STREET VALUE: £4 a bunch
DANGER RATING: 0.80/3
If you made it this far, i have to ask you this: WHAT'S YOUR POISON?????
**All of the information on this post was taken from: http://www.independent.co.uk/
User Reviews
Submitted by bruzwuld (user info) at 2007-11-14 12:14:38 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2007-01-12 12:35:11 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
What ever happened to this alter?
Submitted by livEvil (user info) at 2006-09-25 11:03:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by thorpe (user info) at 2006-09-25 10:44:30 (#)
Ranking: 0
This study is largely useless considering it attempts to combine the "danger to the individual" and "danger to society" criteria. As an individual, I need data based on the harm a drug might do to me, and provided they're taken voluntarily then the harm to society is the only thing politicians should be worried about.
Of course that would put alcohol up the top of the list, so there's no chance of them acting on that any time soon.
------------------
Thank you for your opinion and I can see where you're coming from but doesn't the "danger to the individual" directly affect the "danger to society"? Isn't society composed of individuals?
just a thought.
Submitted by thorpe (user info) at 2006-09-25 10:44:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
This study is largely useless considering it attempts to combine the "danger to the individual" and "danger to society" criteria. As an individual, I need data based on the harm a drug might do to me, and provided they're taken voluntarily then the harm to society is the only thing politicians should be worried about.
Of course that would put alcohol up the top of the list, so there's no chance of them acting on that any time soon.
Submitted by Cinderblock (user info) at 2006-09-25 10:29:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2006-09-21 09:04:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
11: Cannabis (Class C)
ORIGIN: Plant is easily cultivated in temperate climates
MEDICAL: Leaves of the cannabis sativa plant or resin can be smoked or eaten.
It is a relaxant but stronger forms can also cause hallucinations and panic attacks.
NO. OF UK USERS: 3m
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 16
£40-100 an ounce
DANGER RATING: 1.40/3
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2006-09-05 14:33:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by livEvil (user info) at 2006-09-05 11:00:47 (#)
Ranking: -2
Oh and btw, I understand that you're calling me an alter. It's pretty sad when your only comeback to anyone that calls you out is "you're a stupid alter". What's even sadder (and equally humorous in it's irony) is that you're no stranger to "piece of shit alter" shenanigans.
-----
haha, joke's on you monkeyboy...EVERYBODY knows I don't do alters.
Why would I waste precious hits under another name? I've insulted plenty of people under my own name, I see no need to hide behind an alter - I'll -2 you right to your face. Look at my posting record...well over 200 posts.
Now look at yours...3 posts.
Why are you hiding behind an alter? Why don't you have the courage to post under your own name?
Oh, that's right, it's because you're a fucking pussy.
As for calling me out, you're actually going to have to attempt that.
Submitted by COMountain (user info) at 2006-08-21 13:26:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
the death #'s seem to be inversely correlated to the danger rating... what a bunch of shit. At any rate, to answer your question... herion is the only thing on this list I haven't tried.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-08-02 17:30:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
nobody ever ODed on weed
and that ain't from lack of trying
Submitted by Chillax (user info) at 2006-08-02 17:14:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
"know a lot of people that do a drug just because someone told them to. they have no idea what's in it or what the actual effects would be. i know you could just google it but it's something that most people won't go looking for but would be interested once they find it."
I ended up in hospital because I was stupid enough to do this. Since then, I take the advice of a druggie friend of mine:
"Kids, don't do any drugs you couldn't write an essay on."
Submitted by nightshade (user info) at 2006-08-02 05:48:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I fail to see how tobacco isn't top of the list
Submitted by hour_man (user info) at 2006-08-02 05:02:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by coley (user info) at 2006-08-02 04:54:44 (#)
Ranking: 1
uhhh gnarlsbarkley, MDMA isn't speed.it's friggin ecstacy.
---------------
Very pure ecstacy. Base subsatance?
Submitted by hour_man (user info) at 2006-08-02 05:01:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Illegal deaths: 1449 (that were recorded)
Legal Deaths: 136000
.........................what.............the................fuck. WHY IS WEED STILL ILLEGAL?? (ish)
for every one illegal death there are over 90 good legal taxable ones.
Submitted by coley (user info) at 2006-08-02 04:55:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Unless your raver hookups are cutting your rolls with meth or something.
In which case I'd find a new one.
Submitted by coley (user info) at 2006-08-02 04:54:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
uhhh gnarlsbarkley, MDMA isn't speed.it's friggin ecstacy.
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2006-08-01 16:00:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
D'oh! English! Who needs that? I'm never going to England. Come on,
let's smoke.
-- Homer Simpson, talking Barney into cutting class
The Way We Was
Submitted by livEvil (user info) at 2006-08-01 15:42:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Unabonger (user info) at 2006-08-01 15:07:43 (#)
Ranking: 0
16 people in the UK died in 2004 from cannabis?
those crazy, weed-smoking brits...
also, what was the point of this post?
------------
There were actually a few points to this post.
1. to learn how the "professionals" size up different drugs (eventhough they are all considered bad)
2. for you to reflect on how accurate you think they are based on personal experience and short-term effects to you or people around you.
3. just to know basic info on the drugs based on facts.
i know a lot of people that do a drug just because someone told them to. they have no idea what's in it or what the actual effects would be. i know you could just google it but it's something that most people won't go looking for but would be interested once they find it.
Submitted by Unabonger (user info) at 2006-08-01 15:07:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
16 people in the UK died in 2004 from cannabis?
those crazy, weed-smoking brits...
also, what was the point of this post?
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2006-08-01 15:07:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Alcohol should be a 3/3, no question about it. I've seen way too many mishaps from it...
Plus, I can personally speak to its effects...never done any of this other stuff, save for an occasional cigar.
Submitted by GnarlsBarkley (user info) at 2006-08-01 14:51:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I persoanlly enjoy speed (MDMA) and of course, the ever popular, booze
Submitted by GDR (user info) at 2006-08-01 14:45:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 for LSD
Submitted by EmoJean (user info) at 2006-08-01 14:39:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I suppose the sad part is that adding all the deaths caused by the illegal drugs doesn't even come close to the deaths caused by the legal ones.
You want to save lives...legalize Pot and ban alcohol.
Submitted by BadAssJulie (user info) at 2006-08-01 14:38:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I've tried a few things but I've only been addicted to Adderall XR. I took it for two years and quit because I realized I was addicted. Addiction scares me. I don't think I could ever be a drunk or a junkie or a smoker because I know/knew too many people who are/were and I've seen what they've been through because of it.
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2006-08-01 14:17:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
alcohol also has no medicinal purposes when ingested. but yeah it's up there.
that'd be my choice. hmmm whiskey is my soulmate.
Submitted by livEvil (user info) at 2006-08-01 14:09:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
also, did anyone notice how high alcohol was compared to all these other drugs but yet most of them are illegal in most places?
... just a thought.
Submitted by livEvil (user info) at 2006-08-01 14:03:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
5, 9 & 11 is all i do
Submitted by Antioxident (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:44:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
FUCK I FORGOT TO RATE
Submitted by BobLobla (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:43:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:38:17 (#)
Ranking: 2
Xzibit said it best:
Call it what you want to call it
I'm a fucking alcoholic
========
Xibit have never said anything the best unless it was "mumble, mumble mumble, nigger, mimble mumble"
Submitted by Antioxident (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:42:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
4MTA, Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Alcohol, DMT, Tobacco, Cannibis, Methylphenidate, Various SSRIs and MAOIs, and Morphine derivitives like oxycodone and hydrocodone
yeah, I'm going to die.
Mostly Amphetamines, 4MTA, ecstasy, tobacco and MAOIs
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:38:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Xzibit said it best:
Call it what you want to call it
I'm a fucking alcoholic
Submitted by livEvil (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:29:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by LSD420 (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:23:25 (#)
Ranking: 2
PS- The "cannabis deaths" cannot be due to overdose. They may be cannabis related (getting shot because you thought it'd be funny to make fun of some guy with a gun), but the LD-50 for THC is so high that it is nearly unattainable.
---------------
that's true.
bob: I have no clue but i guess you have to leave a little room for future drugs or just for the possibility of something worse. That's my guess but i don't know what the hell i'm talking about so don't listen to me.
Submitted by malkavian (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:25:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Interesting...
Submitted by LSD420 (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:23:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
PS- The "cannabis deaths" cannot be due to overdose. They may be cannabis related (getting shot because you thought it'd be funny to make fun of some guy with a gun), but the LD-50 for THC is so high that it is nearly unattainable.
Submitted by BobLobla (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:22:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Also, how can you have a rating system that is out of three but the highest ranking is 2.75??
Submitted by LSD420 (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:21:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Tetrahydrocannabinol, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Psilocybin.
Submitted by BobLobla (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:17:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
11: Cannabis (Class C)
ORIGIN: Plant is easily cultivated in temperate climates
MEDICAL: Leaves of the cannabis sativa plant or resin can be smoked or eaten.
It is a relaxant but stronger forms can also cause hallucinations and panic attacks.
NO. OF UK USERS: 3m
NO. OF UK DEATHS IN 2004: 16
£40-100 an ounce
DANGER RATING: 1.40/3
==========
AHAHAHAHAHAHA
Were the deaths becasue the person ate themself to death?
This is my poison.
Submitted by livEvil (user info) at 2006-08-01 13:06:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I'm just posting what they found. It isn't necessarily my opinion. I am curious, though, as to who agrees or disagrees with the rankings.