When an adult ball python tried to eat my wrist and seemed disinclined to let go, running cold water on her did not work. Pouring a small amount of brandy in her mouth resulted in immediate release, and behavior that seemed indicative of discomfort/distaste (mouth open, shaking head back and forth as if trying to remove the irritant). Although alcohol was instantly effective for me, I have heard of situations where it did not work (and the snake didn't detach either. :-P ).