I was aware of the recent collision between science and politics recently which led to the resignation of the chairman Professor David Nutt and several members of the Drugs Advisory committee. What I didn’t realise until now was that Professor Nutt is actively researching alcohol substitutes.
As a social and recreational drug, alcohol has several drawbacks. It can be addictive, it is difficult to titrate the quantity which will lighten the mood without causing excessive loss of inhibition and there are known health risks from drinking more than moderate amounts. Add to this the antisocial effects that you can see in any city centre at weekends and few would argue that there isn’t a need for a safer alternative.
The benefits of "synthahol" as it is known on "Star Trek" is that the effects can be switched off instantly. So one day it should be possible to enjoy a convivial evening with a few drinks then when the time comes to drive home become instantly sober by taking an antidote.
I can see how this would be extremely unpopular with the authorities as there would be huge problems trying to tax the substances that might one day replace alcohol. Read more about it here in the Telegraph.
