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superseded by safer drugs NO.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

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