There are all kinds of studies and some get covered in precise form in the mainstream media. Plenty of stuff comes up on a quick search. I don't doubt for a moment that rampant heroin addiction is extremely harmful and kicking it looks like a scene from Dante's Inferno. However, the extent to which it is demonised and the extent of alcohol abuse in so many countries is a complete contradiction. People are burning through their livers, getting arrested, falling in front of moving vehicles; all kinds of things every day of the week in some country or other. Alcohol is an incredibly destructive drug. Now, if heroin were to be regulated and controlled, the negative consequences would likely fall in these kinds of drugs studies as people wouldn't be injecting talcum powder or be at the whim of an illegal market. Imagine a pint filled with poison and I am sure the already terrible effects of alcohol would skyrocket and they are already significant. I am libertarian on this issue and think nothing should be prohibited. I don't like how governments allow their people to poison themselves, when there are other ways to do so that are probably far less destructive, and all based on little more than ad hoc fear mongering policy. I stand by my claims and plenty of evidence exists to support such a claim, both anecdotal or scientific.

The three deadliest drugs in America are all totally legal - Vox

Study: Alcohol Most Dangerous Drug - Health & Science - CBN News - Christian News 24-7 - CBN.com