Hangover-Free Alcohol Could Replace Regular Alcohol by 2050

A new type of synthetic alcohol has been discovered which could allow people to enjoy the sociable effects of a few pints, but skip the hangover that usually follows.

The new drink, known as 'alcosynth', is designed to mimic the positive effects of alcohol but doesn’t cause a dry mouth, nausea and a throbbing head, according to its creator Professor David Nutt.

The Imperial College Professor and former government drugs advisor told The Independent he has patented around 90 different alcosynth compounds.

Two of them are now being rigorously tested for widespread use, he said – and by 2050, he hopes alcosynth could completely replace normal alcohol.

By researching substances that work on the brain in a similar way to alcohol, Professor Nutt and his team have been able to design a drug which they say is non-toxic and replicates the positive effects of alcohol.

"We know a lot about the brain science of alcohol; it's become very well understood in the last 30 years."

"So we know where the good effects of alcohol are mediated in the brain, and can mimic them. And by not touching the bad areas, we don't have the bad effects."

Advocates of alcosynth believe it could also revolutionise public health by relieving the burden of alcohol on the health service. 

However, the huge amount of funding that is needed to execute the plans means it could be a long time before people can order an alcosynth cocktail at their local pub.

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