Editor’s perspective: Dry July

As many Kiwis tackle Dry July, they may be vindicated in knowing that a new study ranks alcohol as the most harmful substance in New Zealand, ahead of several illegal drugs.

The ‘demon’ drink topped the list after 23 drugs were scored against 17 criteria to assess their harm within both the general and 12-17 years youth populations.

Alcohol came ahead of methamphetamine, synthetic cannabis, cocaine, and tobacco.

The research, conducted by the University of Otago (Christchurch), was published recently in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

While the findings may shock some people, for others it will be no surprise that New Zealand’s most widely used legal drug causes more damage than all the illegal drugs.

Remember that alcohol is classified as a sedative-hypnotic drug, and also a poison, fatal to humans if ingested in large quantities.

The most harmful label comes largely due to alcohol’s association with so many diseases, cancers, psychological disorders, and other medical conditions, and the ripple-down effect from users to their families, friends, communities, and wider society. Millions of dollars are spent annually trying to combat the effects of over indulgence on people and the wider community.

The latest findings suggest now may be a suitable time to embrace Dry July, and to moderate alcohol intake during the other 11 months of the year. Alcohol has a place across many facets of life so it isn’t a case of not drinking, more a case of moderating alcohol intake. Try a month without it, and see how you feel. It may be life-changing.