Alcohol is ranked much more harmful than the Class A drug Ecstasy in a new classification system proposed by a team of leading scientists.  The team identified three main factors that together determine the harm associated with any drug  of potential  abuse: the physical harm to the individual user caused by the drug; the tendency of the drug to induce dependence and addiction; and the effect of drug use on families, communities, and society. Many people scoff at the idea of alcohol addiction, but its long-term use can lead to painful and deadly diseases like cirrhosis, jaundice and other liver disorders. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol are among the deadliest of any drug. Don't make the mistake of taking alcohol abuse or addiction lightly. If you know someone with a problem or you yourself have a problem, seek treatment immediately. It could mean the difference between life and death!