Here is an article which warrants opinions.
If you go to Ninemsn today, you'll notice they are using a photo of
an adult mouse! and not a rat - despite the title.

Pill curbs alcohol addiction: study
Thursday Jul 12 12:00 AEST
By ninemsn staff

Researchers in the US claim a pill designed to stop people from
smoking may also curb alcohol addiction.

Varenicline, made by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and marketed as
Chantix, is sold as a pill in the US to help smokers kick their
habit. Research undertaken by the University of California suggests
the pill could also help alcoholics combat their cravings.

"The biggest thrill is that this drug, which has already proved safe
for people trying to stop smoking, is now a potential drug to fight
alcohol dependence," said researcher Selena Bartlett.

Researchers gave 18 rats alcohol on an irregular basis for four
months — in total 37 binge-drinking sessions — and found a 50 percent
drop in cravings for those rodents taking Varenicline.

Even when taken off the drug, the formerly booze-addicted rats did
not immediately return to drinking.

"That's because we believe [the drug] is turning down the [brain's]
reward system," Dr Bartlett said.

The good news for human application is that the drug lasts longer in
our system, researchers claim.

"In rats, the drug only lasts for a few hours," Dr Bartlett said. "In
humans, it lasts 24 hours."

The drug, widely sold in the US and Europe, would need approval by
the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) to be used by people trying
to give up drinking.

A spokesperson for Pfizer would not say if the company will seek
approval from the FDA for use with alcoholics.

The drug has been approved the Australia's Therapeutic Goods
Administration (TGA) though is not yet commercially available.

It is also unclear whether or not Pfizer would need further approval
from the TGA to market the drug to Australians trying to give up
drinking.