The University of Otago has recently completed a unique study, ranking drugs in NZ by the harm they cause, including harm to the user, harm caused to others and harm to society.
Alcohol was ranked the most harmful drug overall, followed by methamphetamine, synthetic cannabis and tobacco.
A panel of 23 experts was asked to assess the harm of 23 different drugs. The panel included expertise in law enforcement, toxicology, pharmacology, addiction research, Maori health and advocacy and youth justice - chosen specifically to reflect a broad range of knowledge and experience.
The panel members were asked to assign a “harm” score to each drug based on 17 harm criteria. Criteria included factors such as mortality, dependence, injury to others, crime and economic cost.
Overall, alcohol was ranked as most harmful to the user and most harmful to others. This is because alcohol: a) is associated with a large number of physical and psychological conditions; and b) causes significant harm to others, such as families, friends and the broader community.
To read more about this study, click here
The broader community harmed by alcohol includes our workplace communities.
If your organisation is facing alcohol-related safety and wellbeing issues, DASA-NZ can help. We have worked with many different organisations for over 15 years, managing alcohol and other drug risk. Call us on 0800-000-011 or visit our website www.dasa-nz.co.nz to find out more.
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