GHB, for one, is said to be all the best parts of alcohol with less of the downsides. It's still addictive and super illegal though, has the stigma of being a "date-rape drug", is maybe more neurotoxic than ethanol (excitotoxicity may be more in play), but definitely less toxic for the rest of the organ systems, and non-carcinogenic.

Kava, a beverage made from the roots of the piper methysticum plant, is broadly similar to alcohol, but milder, more sedate, non-addictive, non-toxic, and legal almost everywhere in the world. It's expensive though (only grows in the tropics), tastes like dirt-water, and takes a bit of work to prepare.

English neuropharmacologist David Nutt has been reportedly working on a synthetic less-toxic alternative to alcohol for years, but it's unsure if anything will ever come of it.

Most other research chemicals, really. Check "TIHKAL: The Continuation" for some discussion :P

Phenibute is popular in fitness communities as an alternative to alcohol when going out.

Chronic use of Phenibut is associated with psychosis and physical dependence. Alcohol is no angel, but Phenibut is probably not the answer.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6758981/

kratom makes a good replacement for alcohol

Personally, I don't see the recreational value. For me it was a very, very weak opiate high that wore off in an hour and whose tolerance builds up extremely fast. It should be more widely available though since people have said it helps them taper off actual opiates.

There's a lot of variability of response, but plenty of people report on /r/kratom that it's helped wean them from alcohol. It certainly helped me.

It's not without concerns (tolerance/addiction) but for those who respond well it is incredibly valuable.

I am all for allowing natural drug use, however I know several people who developed actual addictions to Kratom. I mean they all got over it when they made it illegal (I think) but still would be careful about recommending it without disclaimer.

Yeah it has it's issues as well and I normally include that in the proposition. It's been a struggle for me as well, but it's worth it for the upside.

My observation of this substance was that it was similar to a low grade opiate and seemed to be quite habit forming among several people I knew that tried it.