Alcohol That Gets You Drunk Without A Hangover Could Be Here In Five Years

If you're partial to a gin and tonic or three, and find yourself suffering from the hangover from hell the next morning, we've got fantastic news for you: a new type of alcohol that makes you feel tipsy but without the hangover could be here in just five years.

The synthetic alcohol is the result of several years of research by a team led by former government advisor Professor David Nutt, who lost his position after saying that drugs were less dangerous than alcohol and that ecstasy was less dangerous than horseriding.

Named Alcarelle, the drink promises to "imitates the aspects of alcohol that we all want - sociability, relaxation, fun - but without those horrible harmful effects that cause so much damage to our health".

As well as not causing hangovers, the drink would not cause aggression and a feeling of being out of control. It would also not be toxic to the liver and would not increase alcohol-related diseases.

However, despite not causing alcohol's negative effects, the drink would still give you the feeling of being tipsy.

"We know where in the brain alcohol has its 'good' effects and 'bad' effects, and what particular receptors mediate that - Gaba, glutamate, and other ones such as serotonin and dopamine," Nutt told the Guardian.

"The effects of alcohol are complicated but... you can target the parts of the brain you want to target."

Before being available to buy, Alcarelle and its molecules, called "alcosynth", must be rigorously tested to make sure it's safe.

"We need to show that it's different from alcohol. We will demonstrate that it doesn't produce toxicity like alcohol does," Nutt told the paper. "And of course we don't want hangovers. We have to show it doesn't have the bad effects of alcohol."

With research showing that young people are drinking less than ever, and prioritise their health by seeking out alcohol alternatives, we can only imagine how popular this will be when it's finally available to buy.

Featured Image Credit: Helena Yankovska/Unsplash

Topics: Tasty Drink, Food And Drink

Deborah Cicurel

Deborah Cicurel is a freelance journalist at Tyla. She writes entertainment, travel and lifestyle content for a variety of print and digital titles.

@Debscic