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Drugs: The Real Deal
This is the first ranking based upon scientific evidence of harm to both individuals and society.
It was devised by government advisers - 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: UKP30-100 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: UKP30-55 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Widely prescribed as sleeping pills but dangerous in overdose and now superseded by safer drugs NO.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: UKP1-2 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: UKP2 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: UKP2.25 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: UKP15-50 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: UKP2-10 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: UKP4.50 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 UKP40-100 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: UKP9.99 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: UKP1-5 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: UKP7.99 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: UKP15 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: UKP1-5 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: UKP2-6 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: UKP4 a bunch DANGER RATING: 0.80/3
Copyright: 2006 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
It was devised by government advisers - 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: UKP30-100 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: UKP30-55 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: UKP1-2 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: UKP2 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: UKP2.25 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: UKP15-50 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: UKP2-10 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: UKP4.50 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 UKP40-100 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: UKP9.99 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: UKP1-5 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: UKP7.99 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: UKP15 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: UKP1-5 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: UKP2-6 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: UKP4 a bunch DANGER RATING: 0.80/3
Copyright: 2006 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
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