What Happens in Your Brain When You Drink Alcohol?

Slurred speech, unsteady steps, and embarrassing moments—we all recognize the signs of having too much to drink. But what’s actually happening inside your brain when you consume alcohol? Let’s take a closer look at how alcohol affects your central nervous system and what you can do to keep your brain healthy.

The Central Nervous System: Your Body’s Control Center

The central nervous system (CNS) is your body’s command hub. It processes sensory information, controls voluntary and involuntary movements, and regulates essential body functions. Made up of the brain and spinal cord, the CNS keeps everything running smoothly.

The Brain

Your brain is the master controller of your body. It’s made up of neurons—specialized cells that communicate with each other to enable everything from thinking and sensing to breathing and moving.

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a delicate, tube-like structure that runs from your brainstem down through your spine. It carries messages between your brain and the rest of your body and is responsible for reflex actions—quick, automatic responses to stimuli.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help neurons communicate. They cross tiny gaps called synapses and bind to receptors on other neurons, triggering changes in the receiving cell. Key neurotransmitters include:

• Glutamate
• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine
• Acetylcholine

Together, the brain, spinal cord, and neurotransmitters ensure your body functions properly and adapts to its environment.

How Alcohol Affects the Central Nervous System

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down CNS activity. Its effects are largely due to increased levels of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. Here’s how alcohol impacts different parts of your nervous system:

Alcohol and the Brain

Alcohol alters neurotransmitter activity, slowing brain function. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to lasting changes in brain receptors and even alter brain structure.

Alcohol and the Spinal Cord

Though less talked about, alcohol also affects the spinal cord by:

• Increasing glycine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that affects sensation and movement
• Causing tissue damage through nutritional deficiencies and neurotoxicity
• Reducing blood flow, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and tissue harm

Alcohol and Neurotransmitters

Alcohol disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters, each in a different way:

• Glutamate: Alcohol reduces its activity, impairing memory and sleep.
• GABA: Alcohol increases GABA, leading to relaxation and reduced inhibition.
• Serotonin: Alcohol initially boosts serotonin, creating temporary happiness.
• Dopamine: Alcohol raises dopamine levels, producing feelings of pleasure.
• Epinephrine: Alcohol increases this stress hormone, raising heart rate and disrupting sleep.
• Norepinephrine: Alcohol elevates levels, which can increase alertness, blood pressure, and nervousness.
• Acetylcholine: Alcohol increases it, contributing to reward sensations alongside dopamine.

These disruptions interfere with the delicate balance your brain maintains, affecting both short-term function and long-term health.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the CNS

Chronic alcohol use can lead to significant and lasting changes:

• Neurotransmitter Receptors: The brain becomes less responsive to dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, leading to increased tolerance and dependence.
• Brain Structures: Long-term drinking can shrink brain cells, particularly in areas responsible for emotion regulation and decision-making.

These changes make it difficult to break the cycle of alcohol misuse.

How to Nourish Your Central Nervous System

Supporting your CNS is key to maintaining brain health. Here are some effective strategies:

• Eat Healthy Fats: Your brain is nearly 60% fat. Include omega-3s from fish, walnuts, and seeds to support neuron function.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, improves mood, and protects against cognitive decline.
• Prioritize Sleep: Sleep allows your brain to repair itself and maintain cognitive and emotional stability.
• Manage Stress: Use healthy techniques like exercise, meditation, or mindfulness instead of turning to alcohol.
• Get Regular Checkups: Stay proactive with neurological exams to monitor and support brain health.

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol is a CNS depressant that alters brain chemistry and structure.
• Both short-term and long-term drinking lead to behavioral and physical changes.
• Reducing or quitting alcohol allows the brain to begin recovering from its effects.
• Supporting your CNS through diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management promotes lasting brain health.