London-based GABA Labs is working on a type of synthetic alcohol called “Alcarelle,” which reportedly provides the relaxing effects of alcohol without the hangovers, balance deficiencies, or any of its other negative side effects. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that blocks certain signals in the brain, thus producing a calming effect. When alcohol reaches the brain, it binds to GABA receptors and produces the same relaxing effects that calms people down. The problem with alcohol is that it also has side effects like hangovers, movement difficulties, and speaking and thinking problems. Alcarelle is a tasteless substance that can be added to alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks to boost their tipsiness potential without the negative side effects. As GABA Labs founder Dr. David Nutt explained, if people could get their “fix” from synthetic alcohol without suffering damage to their liver, heart, brain, etc., millions of lives could potentially be saved. The product has been in development for quite some time now, but the regulatory approval process moves very slowly. The company is hopeful that they will be able to get the product on the market by 2026.
