EVER wake up from a heavy night feeling sick, riddled with hangxiety and ultimately regretting that last round of drinks?
Well, there’s a pill which could fix that.
Getty Images – GettyNaltrexone blocks happy hormones and reduces the euphoria of intoxication[/caption]
A new study has found people who binge-drink may benefit from taking a pill an hour before getting boozy.
The drug naltrexone, which works by blocking happy hormones and reducing the euphoria of intoxication, can kill the desire for ‘one more drink’ and in doing so, reduces your risk of a dreaded hangover.
Previous studies have found the drug to be effective long-term treat for people with alcohol dependence.
But now, US scientists have discovered the drug could also benefit binge-drinkers – who can take it as-needed.
According to Drinkaware, almost one in five British men reported binge drinking last year, which for men is consuming more than 8 units or three pints in a single pub session.
And over one in ten women also binge drink, which would be drinking more than six units – or two glasses of wine.
The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, 120 men who wanted to reduce bingeing were given naltrexone to take whenever they craved alcohol or anticipated a period of heavy drinking.
The randomized control trial was double-blinded, so half of the men received naltrexone and half received a placebo, and neither the participants nor the scientists knew who had received which.
By the end of the 12-week study, those given naltrexone reported bingeing less frequently and consuming less alcohol than those who had been given a placebo, for six months.
“This suggests that targeted naltrexone can result in lasting benefits,” the authors said.
If you’re struggling with your alcohol intake you can contact your local GP for help, use local support services or make use of the NHS Drink Free Days app to help control your drinking.