Alcohol exerts its effect on the central nervous system (CNS), acting as a depressant. But how exactly does it achieve this effect?
Alcohol works by primarily increasing the action of the chemical messenger ‘GABA’ (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) in the brain. A process, which in simple terms suppresses the activity of neurones in the brain once GABA binds to them. This in turn inhibits electrical signals sent throughout the brain, and as a result, then inducing its cardinal calming effect of alcohol throughout the entire body.
This definition isn’t however all-encompassing, as at lower doses alcohol has the potential to act as a stimulant, triggering symptoms of euphoria. These symptoms are usually reported during the early stages of alcohol consumption, i.e. the first 10 to 15 minutes, making some more talkative, just when you thought they couldn’t talk your ear off anymore.
This stimulant effect occurs due to alcohol’s influence on other chemical messengers within the brain, namely dopamine and natural occurring opioids, which are sometimes also referred to as ‘happy chemicals’.
Drinking too much on the other hand causes the “conventional” depressive symptoms we typically associate with alcohol consumption, including drowsiness, slowed movement, slowed breathing, passing out, and in more severe instances coma and possibly even death.
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