Chip is expected to battle alcohol addiction for five months
A 36-year-old man in China has received a surgically implanted chip designed to help him overcome alcohol addiction. south china morning post informed of. With this, he has become the first person in the country who has been given such treatment to get rid of drug addiction.
The man, given the surname Liu in the report, underwent a five-minute operation on April 12 at the Hunan Brain Hospital in central China. The procedure was part of a clinical trial led by Hao Wei, former vice president of the United Nations’ International Narcotics Control Board.
Mr Hao said Chip is expected to battle alcohol addiction for five months. The chip, when implanted, releases naltrexone which is absorbed by the body and targets receptors in the brain. Naltrexone is a substance commonly used in treatment to prevent drug addiction.
Specifically, Mr. Liu has been an alcoholic for 15 years. He had a habit of drinking half a liter of Chinese liquor daily, due to which he became violent. His routine included drinking before breakfast and then throughout the day at work and in the evening until he passed out.
He said that he was very worried when he did not have the bottle. However, his addiction, which grew more intense over the past five years, nearly destroyed his health and his relationship with his parents and girlfriend.
When he heard that local hospitals had begun clinical trials of implantable chip technology, he decided to give it a try. Although initially concerned, he was surprised at how quick and easy the process was.
“It only took five minutes, and then I said goodbye to alcohol,” Mr. Liu said. After the successful surgery, he is hopeful that he can now enjoy a life free from alcohol.
As per 2018 report Lancet Medical JournalChina tops the world in terms of alcohol-related deaths.