I recall seeing a study recently looking at using GHB for chronic pain management (which has similar effects to alcohol, but without the hangover). IIRC, it di

I recall seeing a study recently looking at using GHB for chronic pain management (which has similar effects to alcohol, but without the hangover). IIRC, it did work somewhat, but of course the participants felt "drunk". I suffer from chronic pain caused by small fiber neuropathy in my arms and legs, and can add a single data point: alcohol does help a bit - but the way it does so is more by "distraction", whereas opioids really seem to reduce the pain. It's also completely impractical if you want to drive, work, look after children etc (normal life, basically). But I can certainly see why people would use alcohol if they were unable to obtain prescription medicines that helped them.