In China, a chip was implanted for the first time to treat alcohol dependence: a 36-year-old man with a long history of alcoholism underwent a five-minute operation during which a device was inserted to gradually release naltrexone — a substance that blocks the brain’s receptors responsible for the pleasure associated with alcohol consumption. The procedure took place on April 12 at the Hunan Brain Hospital as part of a clinical trial led by Professor Hao Wei, the former vice president of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board, reports the Baltimore Chronicle with reference to CHINADAILY.
The implanted device gradually releases naltrexone — a substance that blocks receptors in the brain associated with the pleasure of drinking alcohol. This method is considered more effective and gentler compared to disulfiram, a drug previously widely used to treat alcoholism but which caused strong side effects like nausea and dizziness.
According to doctors, the chip’s effect lasts up to five months, during which the psychological urge for alcohol is reduced. Liu, who had previously consumed up to half a liter of strong alcohol daily, noted that after the implant, he felt relief from the constant craving for alcohol for the first time.
According to The Lancet journal, over 700,000 alcohol-related deaths were recorded in China in 2017, making the country the world leader in this regard. The new technology may become an important step in combating this issue.
Earlier we wrote that YKK creates first remote-controlled automatic zipper.