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Some of us have indeed experienced devastating heartbreaks and some disastrous relationships, but scientists are now suggesting that a so-called ‘cure for love’ could soon be available.
The opportunity could soon be realised, with English neuro-ethicist, Brian D. Earp stating that scientists are working towards creating an ‘anti-love drug’, which could potentially numb the effects of love on the human brain.
In an interview to New Scientist, Earp was quoted as saying the drug could be affective in situations where it is dangerous for someone to continue be in love. In situations of domestic violence, Earp claims, the drug could be used to help sever the relationship with the abuser.
The scientist went on to add, “a woman in an abusive relationship could access medication that would help her break ties with her abuser, then, assuming it was safe and effective, we think she could be justified in taking it”.
The drug has also been suggested as a solution to those suffering depression as a result of love, and could even be used in conjunction with anti-depressants to assist patients who are suicidal.
But it is not being advertised as a cure-all to hurt feelings and heartbreak, with officials maintaining that it would only be used as medical intervention for those whose relationships made them a danger to themselves.
“You can imagine a situation in which a person’s experience of love is so profoundly harmful, yet so irresistible, that it undermines their ability to think rationally for themselves,” Earp adds, “Some people in dangerous relationships know they need to get out, and even want to, but are unable to break their emotional attachment.”
The scientist went on to caution medical officials administering this drug against their will, no matter how dire the situation, stating “we wouldn’t recommend forcing drug-based treatment on someone against their will: non-biochemical interventions should be tried first”. The ethical drawbacks of the drug also included the possibility of individuals using the drug to prevent underage or pre-marital sex, even administering it on unknowing participants such as those having affairs or in unapproved relationships.
It is also speculated that if the drug were to be produced widely, it would become a desirable choice for the ‘lovesick’, prompting discussion that the drug might be misused because of its ‘cure for love’ label.
Although production of any such drug is still a way off, there has been moral and medical discussions debating the ethical consequences of such a treatment.
