How does Alcohol affects the Brain?

Answer 1

The primary mechanism by which alcohol affects brain function is via its interaction with a class of inhibitory receptors, called 'GABA receptors' (GABA stands for Gamma-AminoBuytric Acid, which is a type of inhibitory neurotransmitter). Normally when GABA binds to its receptor, the neuron's activity is reduced. Since alcohol enhances the way GABA works at this receptor, the net effect at the level of a single cell is an increase in inhibition.

In addition, ethanol (alcohol) antagonizes (blocks) NMDA receptors. NMDA is N-methyl-D-aspartate and is a receptor type that both NMDA and glutamate bind with, allowing for short-term memory to be consolidated as long-term memory. As such, excessive alcohol consumption can induce a "blackout" state, whereby a person has no memory of events while intoxicated.

In general, alcohol reduces activity in the neocortex (responsible for higher-level thinking) and the cerebellum (responsible for coordination, posture, and fine movement). Higher concentrations of alcohol affect more of these areas in greater degrees. And, with extreme intoxication, it will affect the lower brain areas responsible for consciousness, and can even lead to a coma or death.

it slows down your brain. you don't think as fast. some connections are even disabled which means your not thinking about certain things as much if at all. this allows you to feel more relaxed. too much alcohol slows down your brains so much that it impairs your vision and memory and how you process information. this is why drunk driving is dangerous. your brain cannot process or calculate driving as well as when your not drunk.

Answer 2

The primary mechanism by which alcohol affects brain function is via its interaction with a class of inhibitory receptors, called 'GABA receptors' (GABA stands for Gamma-AminoBuytric Acid, which is a type of inhibitory neurotransmitter). Normally when GABA binds to its receptor, the neuron's activity is reduced. Since alcohol enhances the way GABA works at this receptor, the net effect at the level of a single cell is an increase in inhibition.

In addition, ethanol (alcohol) antagonizes (blocks) NMDA receptors. NMDA is N-methyl-D-aspartate and is a receptor type that both NMDA and glutamate bind with, allowing for short-term memory to be consolidated as long-term memory. As such, excessive alcohol consumption can induce a "blackout" state, whereby a person has no memory of events while intoxicated.

In general, alcohol reduces activity in the neocortex (responsible for higher-level thinking) and the cerebellum (responsible for coordination, posture, and fine movement). Higher concentrations of alcohol affect more of these areas in greater degrees. And, with extreme intoxication, it will affect the lower brain areas responsible for consciousness, and can even lead to a coma or death.

it slows down your brain. you don't think as fast. some connections are even disabled which means your not thinking about certain things as much if at all. this allows you to feel more relaxed. too much alcohol slows down your brains so much that it impairs your vision and memory and how you process information. this is why drunk driving is dangerous. your brain cannot process or calculate driving as well as when your not drunk.

Answer 3

Efects of alcohole

It affects your concentration,

Shortens attention span

Impairs judgment (if something is a good idea or not)

Your reflexes are really slowed...which is another effect),

Makes it harder to remember new things...like math, science, everything.

Makes a person lose motivation because they're too busy thinking about next drink,

Kills brain cells,

Causes depressed mood as it is a CNS Central Nervous System depressant.