GALLUP: Police are 3rd highest in American "Confidence in Institution"; Sorry OWS.

[MikeK]

You are right. As a former cop, I can say you are 100% right that alcohol is more dangerous than weed. But it is NOT more dangerous than heroine and crack. It may be more widely used, and thus have more incidents, but as far as the most dangerous drug for an individual to consume, heroine and crack are far higher than weed and alcohol.

[...]

Heroin, although highly addictive, is by no means as destructive as freebase ("crack") cocaine.

The most destructive aspect of heroin is the effects of its prohibition. Because if a heroin addict has access to clinically sterile, precisely measured daily dosages and administering devices he/she could lead a relatively normal life while not sedated. Long-term heroin use produces none of the biologically debilitating effects of crack cocaine, methamphetamine or alcohol.*

Both Switzerland and The Netherlands are presently experimenting with an addiction maintenance program in which addicts are supplied with clinically pure daily dosages. Thus far the programs have been 100% successful in that the addicts are leading clean, law-abiding lives rather than engaging in larceny and prostitution. Between its marijuana decriminalization and its heroin maintenance program The Netherlands has significantly reduced its crime and incarceration rates.

Briefly stated, heroin is not the demon it is thought to be.


*Heroin is routinely used as a palliative in the U.K.