A British scientist’s recent announcement that he had found a way to develop a drug that mimics the happy effects of alcohol–sociability and relaxation–without producing next day headaches.

David Nutt said he had also developed a way to instantly sober up from the fake drug, by using a drug now used to treat tranquilizer overdoses. 

It’s very unlikely, however, that the drugs would ever be available over the counter or be sold at bars. The new wonder drug would be regulated under drug laws not like alcohol which is regulated under the food and drink law. 

“Alcohol has a very preferential status because it is sold as a foodstuff,” Nutt said. “If we could change the law, 10 years or so down the road we would have an alternative to alcohol that at least some people would prefer.”