Most people are able to control that impulse. But in alcoholics, a control switch fails to turn on. Antabuse, which makes drinking physically unbearable, and the more promising Naltrexone, which reduces the craving for alcohol. Scientists hope to develop new and even more potent drugs by studying neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers which may regulate craving. One day, it may be possible to prevent someone from becoming an alcoholic.
Studies show some children of alcoholic parents have a harder time concentrating.
For example, a test calls for the subject to intentionally not look at a red light when it's turned on. Even as understanding increases, scientists don't see a magic cure for alcoholism. Treatment will likely combine drugs to curb desire and psychotherapy to help heal the soul. External sites are not necessarily endorsed by CNN Interactive.