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Scientist Seeks Investment For "Alcohol Substitute"

Posted by samzenpus on from the bottoms-up dept.

First time accepted submitter MalachiK writes "A senior academic and former UK government drugs adviser reckons that pretty soon it'll be possible to enjoy the fun of being drunk without having to suffer the negative effects of alcohol. In a proposal reminiscent of Star Trek's synthehol, Professor David Nut has identified a number of molecules that he claims offer experiences that are subjectively indistinguishable from alcohol intoxication. Apparently a major advantage of using these more selectively psychoactive drugs is that the effects can be quickly reversed. It's not all good news though as Professor Nut seems to think that the drinks industry is using its financial and political clout to stop this sort of research being undertaken."

3 of 328 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Not all good by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    but rather that of excessive drinking leading to a severe lapse of liver function

    FTFY. Nobody gives a damn about your headache, and honestly, nobody gives a damn if you've stopped beating your wife yet, but if he's figured out how to make people feel good without killing themselves, the entire Religious Reicht will be up in arms crying about how their god can't send you to Hell fast enough for having fun, so they have to do his job for him.

  2. Re:Not all good by eulernet · · Score: -1, Troll

    I don't believe that society needs to place artificial strictures on intoxicating substances

    While I don't have any moral objection against intoxicants (since I believe that everybody should build their own experience), I disagree with your idea.

    Firstly, alcoholism and addiction are mental illnesses, and a small percentage of people are concerned.
    It may be 5% or more, so it directly impacts society.
    Also, mentally ill people may tend to use more intoxicants than "normal" people (though I never met a "normal" guy), who knows ?

    Secondly, I believe that society should protect people from themselves, because a lot of them are lacking in common sense.
    For example, children or people who practice binge drinking.

    Thirdly, all these substances are means to escape reality.
    Escaping reality never makes people stronger.

  3. Re:Already Exists by __aaltlg1547 · · Score: -1, Troll

    They all have varying rates of toxicity and addictiveness. Alcohol and weed are at the low end of the spectrum on both. Contrary to popular belief, you can OD on weed, at least on the concentrated stuff.