The Neuroscience of Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence report found that alcohol and tobacco addiction is more costly to societies, especially poorer countries, than illegal drugs.

According to the report, illegal drugs accounted for 0.8 percent of health problems worldwide, while alcohol contributed to 4.1 percent of illnesses and cigarettes 4 percent.

The percentages were determined by gauging the burden on society of premature deaths and years lived with disability.

"Health and social problems associated with use and dependence on tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substances require greater attention by the public-health community," said WHO Director-General Dr. Lee Jong-Wook.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:
(Comments now appear first to last)

Your Turn! Post a public comment (guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 250 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for everyone, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, brief, and on-topic. Comments are for discussion of the above article, not general rants or manifestos. Serial comments intended to circumvent the 250-word limit may be deleted.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional web links, personal information or requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercial posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.