Is Whisky Really Worse Than Cocaine?

Saturday, Mar 1, 2025 | 5 minute read

@ Longevity Labs

In a recent televised ministerial meeting, Colombian President Gustavo Petro ignited controversy by claiming that “cocaine is no worse than whisky.” He argued that the legal status of cocaine is driven more by its Latin American origins than by its inherent dangers, and that legalizing it might even dismantle the illegal drug trade—much like regulated alcohol markets. This provocative statement has spurred debates on drug policy, public health, and personal well-being. In this article, we review scientific findings on the effects of whisky and cocaine—examining their short- and long-term impacts on the body and mind, why people use them, and what they might sacrifice in the process.

Is Whisky Worse Than Cocaine?

Short-Term Effects

Physiological and Neurological Impact:
- Whisky (alcohol) causes rapid intoxication with impaired motor coordination, slurred speech, and decreased inhibitions.
- It temporarily enhances sociability and induces a state of relaxation; however, it may also result in mood swings and impaired judgment.
Behavioral Effects:
- Users often seek alcohol to relieve stress and anxiety or to enhance social interactions.
- The immediate sedative and disinhibitory effects can lead to risky behaviors and poor decision-making.

Long-Term Effects

Chronic Health Risks:
- Prolonged alcohol consumption is associated with liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological impairments such as cognitive decline.
- Long-term use increases the risk of certain cancers and contributes to systemic inflammation.
Mental and Social Impact:
- Chronic alcohol abuse is linked to depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
- Although alcohol is culturally accepted in many societies, its abuse can gradually erode family relationships and social support networks (Cohen, 2004).

Motivations and Sacrifices

Why People Use It:
- Whisky is often consumed to unwind, cope with stress, or to socialize in culturally sanctioned settings.
What Is Sacrificed:
- Users may sacrifice physical health, mental clarity, and stable interpersonal relationships. Over time, dependency can disrupt careers, family bonds, and overall quality of life.

While comprehensive research specifically comparing alcohol to cocaine is scarce, these general observations on alcohol’s impacts are widely supported by epidemiological and clinical studies.

Is Cocaine Worse Than Whisky?

Short-Term Effects

Physiological and Neurological Impact:
- Cocaine causes a rapid surge in heart rate, blood pressure, and intense euphoria by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
- Users may experience hyper-alertness, anxiety, paranoia, and, in some cases, a dramatic “crash” after the initial high.
- Bravo et al. (2022) explain that cocaine’s inhibition of monoamine reuptake leads to both its pleasurable effects and its acute toxicity (Bravo RR, Faria AC, Brito-da-Costa AM, et al. Toxins. 2022;14:278. doi: 10.3390/toxins14040278).

Long-Term Effects

Chronic Health Risks:
- Long-term cocaine use is linked with severe cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy.
- Repeated use can also cause neurotoxicity, leading to persistent cognitive deficits and an increased risk of strokes.
- Studies report that chronic cocaine users exhibit significant neuroadaptive changes and reduced dopamine receptor density (Bravo et al., 2022).
Mental and Social Impact:
- Chronic use is frequently associated with the development of substance use disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders.
- Research by Boog et al. (2018) showed that both alcohol-dependent and cocaine-dependent patients exhibit high levels of impulsivity and personality disorder symptoms, which can worsen with cocaine use.
- Family studies indicate that cocaine users face more interpersonal and familial challenges. For instance, Moura et al. (2014) found that crack/cocaine users report more family conflicts, and Marchi et al. (2017) demonstrated that they experience significantly less family cohesion than alcohol users. These adverse social and familial consequences can further reduce the support networks essential for recovery.

Motivations and Sacrifices

Why People Use It:
- Cocaine is often chosen for its powerful stimulant effects, a sense of enhanced confidence, and acute euphoria that some users seek as an escape from stress or to boost performance.
What Is Sacrificed:
- The immediate intense high is usually followed by a severe crash and withdrawal symptoms, which can perpetuate a cycle of addiction.
- Users may sacrifice long-term physical health (especially cardiac and neurological), mental stability, and social/familial relationships.
- The detrimental impact on family and social ties is well-documented, emphasizing the broader social cost of cocaine abuse (Moura et al., 2014; Marchi et al., 2017; Cohen, 2004).

Final Thoughts

Neither whisky nor cocaine is safe for the body or mind—even when cultural norms may allow for socially acceptable alcohol consumption, the risks associated with both substances are significant. While whisky’s long-term abuse is linked to systemic organ damage and social deterioration, cocaine’s acute toxicity and chronic neurocardiovascular damage present even more immediate and severe risks.

If you choose to use either substance, it is crucial to do so mindfully. Monitor your habits carefully and consider using tools that can help you track your behavior. For instance, you might use a habit tracking app like HabitCap to keep a close eye on your consumption patterns and overall well-being.

Is Whisky Worse Than Cocaine?

Short-Term Effects

Long-Term Effects

Motivations and Sacrifices

Is Cocaine Worse Than Whisky?

Short-Term Effects

Long-Term Effects

Motivations and Sacrifices

Final Thoughts

References