This is Your Brain on Alcohol
Understanding the mechanisms and causal pathways of alcoholism can be a complicated venture, but we’ve found that starting with the brain is often helpful. Our brains, through microscopic chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters, are implicated in every decision we make, action we take, and emotion we feel. In this post, we will explore the brain’s reaction to alcohol, and what this has to do with addiction.
The Brain’s Response to Alcohol
Alcohol is the most widely used and abused substance. We may not, however, be aware of what is happening in our brains and bodies when we experience the buzz that often follows a drink. Alcohol, although it seems to have the opposite effect in many cases, is actually classified as a depressant substance, which means it slows the nervous system down. Alcohol mimics the brain’s inhibitory neurotransmitter known as GABA, by binding to GABA receptors throughout our brain. This reaction results in reduced inhibition, often translating to social situations. Do you know anyone who seems less conservative after a few drinks? The complex chain of chemical reactions initiated by alcohol also causes the release of endorphins, as well as dopamine and serotonin, which activate our brain’s pleasure centres. These neurotransmitters are also implicated in other pleasurable activities such as eating, and engaging in sexual activity, explaining why alcohol is enjoyable in small doses, and why consuming it can become reinforcing.
Alcohol Addiction and the Brain
One effect that often has a major impact on consumption behaviour is desensitization. This means that with repeated exposure, our brains and bodies need more of a substance to achieve the same “buzz” or pleasurable sensation. Over time, sustained alcohol abuse damages and diminishes our brain’s natural dopamine transmission system, making it much more difficult to feel pleasure without consuming the substance. These two effects combined are said to contribute to increased drinking and ultimately addiction. Research on alcoholism offers many theories explaining why certain individuals are more prone to becoming addicted to pleasurable substances than others, with genes playing a significant role. Genetics can partially determine everything from our tolerance to alcohol, our tendency to consume alcohol, and the degree to which we enjoy its taste and effects. However, having a strong genetic predisposition does NOT mean one will inevitably suffer from alcohol addiction in their life. Being aware of our risks and proceeding responsibly is the usual recommendation.
Although understanding the intricate biological mechanisms of alcoholism remains an ongoing research venture, it is helpful to get an idea of how our bodies and brains respond to the substances we ingest. We may take it for granted, but there is actually a lot at play beneath the surface, when it comes to substance abuse and addiction.
