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Alcohol better for pain relief than painkillers, report

If you’re suffering after a long night out on the drink paracetamol might not be the best idea, according to a report by a UK university, but experts warn it is not a viable long term pain relief plan.

A new study by the University of Greenwich has found that consuming two pints of beer can be more effective than taking painkillers.

The report found that by increasing your blood alcohol content to 0.08 your pain threshold will increase.

The report found alcohol increases a person's pain threshold. Source: AAP
The report found alcohol increases a person's pain threshold. Source: AAP

Dr Trevor Thompson, who led the study at London's Greenwich University, told The Sun: “[Alcohol] can be compared to opioid drugs such as codeine and the effect is more powerful than paracetamol.

“If we can make a drug without the harmful side-effects, then we could have something that is potentially better than what is out there at the moment.”

Former PM Bob Hawke doesn't mind a pint. Source: AAP
Former PM Bob Hawke doesn't mind a pint. Source: AAP

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean alcohol is good for us.

Public Health of England’s director of alcohol and drugs Rosanna Connor said if you’re suffering from pain it’s better to see a doctor.

“Drinking too much will cause you more problems in the long run,” she said.