Driving Wrong Way?

Originally posted on October 7, 2008 somewhere else. As a part of the restructuring of my online activities that blog has also been deleted. So the first and only post there(this one) has been moved here:

Researchers have been administering placebos to the persons suffering from Alcohol Dependence. They prevent the pleasure that is derived from alcohol by stimulating the pleasurable effects of alcohol by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. Therefore, the motivation for drinking alcohol decreases resulting in a fall in consumption.

So, in effect the drug ensures that the pleasurable effects of alcohol are not felt by the patient thus, eliminating the benefit that he/she derives from drinking it.

Now, I was just wondering whether there is a better solution to it. The reason why I feel that this is not the best solution is because once the person stops taking the drug, he would again be able to feel the benefits and a single incidence of alcohol consumption might trigger addiction.

What could be a better solution?
Driving Wrong Way! Or well, if the current way is wrong, then the right way.

It is well known that the same chemical in the brain can be produced as a result of various activities or substance and perform various functions. Now suppose we replace alcohol with some activity or substance which might have a similar effect on the person but to a reduced degree and is not harmful to him. What happens in this case is that we are able to help the person to get over alcohol addiction which is not good for the patient's body. instead of eliminating the pleasurable effect, we might be able to get the person to perform an activity that is beneficial to him and to the society as well.

Sounds Crazy?
Endorphin is a chemical released by the body in response to pain. While it reduces pain, it also enhances the positive body sensations. Simply stating a person gets pleasure from pain! Reminds you of something?

The biggest advantage of doing this will be that the person is already addicted to something that gives him a pleasure of a particular variety(related to the chemicals being released) so the chances if getting back to alcohol to stimulate that particular part of the mind is as good as eliminated. Anyway, if he is addicted to the positive activity he may not even get the time to drink alcohol!