Brain ‘switch’ in booze war

A BRAIN “switch” that could stop people drinking too much has been found.

Triggering a chemical called GPR139 reduced alcohol intake in laboratory rats and eased withdrawal symptoms.

It is produced in the habenula, which lies deep inside the brain and plays a role in addiction.

Study leader Professor Olivier George, of Scripps Research Institute, US, said: “GPR139 may be a novel target for treatment of alcohol use disorder.”