Harm study puts drink ahead of cocaine

Alcohol is ranked as the fourth most harmful drug behind heroin, crack cocaine, and crystal meth, but ahead of cocaine, nicotine, ecstasy, and cannabis.

The ranking is based on a survey of almost 300 health and social care professionals in Scotland and published as part of a paper in the British Medical Journal.

Irish health experts and campaigners said the research highlighted again the need for Government action on alcohol.