Could a muscle relaxant drug stop binge drinkers?

SCIENTISTS are working on a pill that could help reduce the ‘hit’ produced by alcohol and, ultimately, be used to treat binge drinking and alcoholism.

The drug is based on baclofen, a muscle relaxant, which works by targeting GABA receptors in the brain — this effectively reduces the activity of brain cells (alcohol can have a similar effect, which is why we feel relaxed when we have a drink). The manufacturer, Indivior, says the new drug could be available by 2020. As well as alcoholics, they say it could help people who consume more than the recommended limit.