Chinese man gets surgical chip implant to fight alcoholism

This makes him the first person in the country to receive such a treatment for addiction, reported South China Morning Post.

Reportedly, a clinical trial participant identified as Liu underwent a quick procedure lasting five minutes on April 12, at the Hunan Brain Hospital in central China.

The trial was led by Hao Wei, a former vice president of the International Narcotics Control Board under the United Nations. 

As per Mr. Hao, the implanted chip is anticipated to alleviate the urge to consume alcohol for a duration of up to five months.

The chip functions by releasing naltrexone, which is assimilated by the body and interacts with specific receptors in the brain to prevent relapse, a commonly used treatment for addiction.

It's worth noting that Liu, who had been grappling with alcohol addiction for 15 years, used to consume half a liter of Chinese liquor daily, resulting in violent behavior. 

His addiction had worsened over the past five years and had begun to take a toll on his health and relationships with family and his girlfriend. 

Liu admitted to feeling anxious when he didn't have alcohol. However, after hearing about the clinical trials of implanted chip technology at local hospitals, he decided to give it a chance. 

Despite initial apprehensions, he was pleased with how quick and easy the five-minute procedure was and is now hopeful for an alcohol-free life.

According to a 2018 report by The Lancet medical journal, China ranks the highest in the world for alcohol-related deaths.