Alcosynth
Alcosynth is the name suggested by British researcher David Nutt for a group of synthetic drugs which he claims can mimic the effects of alcoholic beverages, while being less harmful to a person's health,[1] and without leaving drinkers with a hangover.[2] As of October 2016 none of these compounds were available to consumers, their long health effects were not known, and there was no published research about them.[3]
Health effects[edit]
Alcosynth is not currently available to consumers, and its health effects are not known.[1]
Claims[edit]
Nutt stated that he invented alcosynth with the intention of saving lives.[1] Nutt said that early experiments to create alcosynth used a derivative of benzodiazepine, though the most recent variations do not contain it.[2] Nutt says he has patented about 90 different alcosynth compounds and says two are being tested for widespread use.[2]
Nutt says that Alcosynth will produce the pleasant feelings associated with alcohol consumption, such as relaxation, feelings of euphoria, and reduced anxiety. According to Nutt, alcosynth affects the neurotransmitter GABA in a way similar to alcohol,[1] and its effects last a couple of hours, also similar to alcohol.[2]
Nutt says that Alcosynth's effect will plateau after consuming about four to five drinks.[2]
Nutt has claimed that the breakdown of alcosynth in the body does not produce acetaldehyde, which can cause liver disease, nor does alcosynth produce the negative after-effects associated with traditional alcohol such as headache, dry mouth and nausea typical of a hangover.[1]
George Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, stated that alcosynth could be "very useful for the treatment of alcohol disorders", but expressed skepticism about the long-term success of alcosynth because he is unaware of "any drugs that don't produce an opposite effect later on".[4] Koob also expressed concern about alcosynth potentially interacting with other drugs, including alcohol.[4]
The American Craft Spirits Association expressed doubt that alcosynth will replace alcohol; its director stated that "people don't just drink to get drunk", but also to enjoy the flavor of alcoholic beverages.[4]
Nutt has stated that by 2050 he hopes alcosynth could completely replace normal alcohol.[2]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Kubota, Taylor (October 3, 2016). "What Is 'Hangover Free' Synthetic Alcohol, and Is It Safe?". Live Science.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Forster, Katie (September 22, 2016). "'Hangover-Free Alcohol' Could Replace All Regular Alcohol By 2050, Says David Nutt". The Independent.
- ↑ "October 11, 2016 full episode transcript". CBC Radio.
this is a product which is ready to rollout...And do you know yet about the long term effects...Well, you can’t...And have you tried this with human beings?...I’ve had parties on it... Well, the safety, the preclinical toxicology is in process...Well, there isn't any research on anything yet.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Warshaw, Emelia (September 27, 2016). "The Dark Side of Hangover-Free Booze". The Daily Beast.
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