格林威治大学一项最新研究发现，喝两杯啤酒是一种比吃止痛药更有效、更愉快地减缓疼痛的方法。
A new study by the University of Greenwich has found that drinking two glasses of beer can be a more effective and obviously more pleasant way to reduce pain than taking painkillers.
上周六，该研究的负责人特雷弗·汤普森博士向《太阳报》透露：“我们已经发现了强有力的证据证明酒精是有效的止痛药。”
"We have found strong evidence that alcohol is an effective painkiller," Dr. Trevor Thompson, who headed the study, told The Sun last Saturday.
发表于《疼痛杂志》上的该调查表明，人体血液增加0.08%的酒精含量，身体的疼痛阈值就会被提高，从而中度至大幅度地减轻疼痛强度等级。
A mean blood alcohol content of approximately 0.08 percent produced a small elevation of pain threshold, and a moderate to large reduction in pain intensity ratings, according to the study published in The Journal of Pain.
研究人员对404名遭受关节炎等慢性疼痛病的患者进行了18项研究，同时对有酒精和无酒精干预下的疼痛阈值进行了13项测试，对疼痛强度等级进行了9项测试。
Researchers observed 18 studies involving 404 participants who were suffering from chronic pain, such as arthritis. They also provided alcohol versus no-alcohol comparisons for 13 tests of pain threshold, and 9 tests of pain intensity ratings.
研究参与者表示，如果用0到10分来衡量疼痛等级，那么喝酒之后，疼痛降低了1.25分。
Participants in the study reported a mean reduction of pain by 1.25 points when they were asked to rate their pain on a 0-to-10-point scale.
汤普森博士表示：“酒精可以与可待因等阿片类药物相比较，其效果比扑热息痛更好。”
"It can be compared to opioid drugs such as codeine and the effect is more powerful than paracetamol," Thompson said.
研究表明，酒精能有效降低临床病痛等级。因此，持续性疼痛的患者往往会酗酒，而不顾酒精对长期健康所产生的影响。
Findings suggest that alcohol is an effective analgesic that delivers clinically-relevant reductions in ratings of pain intensity, which could explain alcohol misuse in those with persistent pain despite its potential consequences for long-term health, said the study.
虽然喝酒有所裨益，但是专家仍警告称，过度饮酒会导致其他的健康问题，因此患有长期疼痛病的人群应该咨询医生。
Despite these benefits, experts warned that excessive drinking will cause other health issues, thus it is advised to see a doctor for a viable long-term pain relief plan.