How Alcohol Affects Your Brain

The human brain is one of the most complex structures in the universe. As neuroscientist David Eagleman explains, “A typical neuron makes about ten thousand connections to neighboring neurons. Given the billions of neurons, this means there are as many connections in a single cubic centimeter of brain tissue as there are stars in the Milky Way galaxy.”

Despite this incredible complexity, the brain remains delicate and highly sensitive to physical and chemical changes. As we reconsider our relationship with alcohol, it's crucial to understand how it impacts our brain both immediately and over time.

GABA and Glutamate: The Brain's Regulators

Alcohol acts as a depressant, slowing down our central nervous system and reducing brain activity. Two key neurotransmitters—gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate—play essential roles in this process. Both are regulated by the hypothalamus, a small brain region that connects the nervous and endocrine systems, keeping different parts of the brain and body synchronized.

GABA is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, working to decrease neuronal excitability and reduce nerve cell activity. Alcohol enhances GABA's inhibitory effects, contributing to feelings of relaxation or drowsiness.

Glutamate typically acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, increasing brain activity and energy levels. Alcohol suppresses glutamate's effects, causing brain activity to slow down even further.

Dopamine and the Pleasure Response

Despite alcohol's depressant properties, it often creates feelings of pleasure through the release of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain's reward system. Alcohol consumption triggers increased dopamine activity, leading to sensations of enjoyment and satisfaction.

However, repeated alcohol exposure can dysregulate this dopamine response, potentially leading to dependence as the brain begins associating alcohol with pleasure and reward, resulting in cravings and increased use.

Dynorphin: Dopamine's Counterpart

Dopamine has a counterpart—dynorphin—that behaves differently when alcohol is involved. Dynorphin is a type of endorphin, our body's natural "feel-good" substances. Scientifically, dynorphin primarily acts on kappa opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, much like a key fitting a lock.

While dynorphin primarily dampens pain sensation, it's also involved in negative emotional states. When excessive dopamine is released in response to alcohol, dynorphin levels can become unbalanced, contributing to feelings of unease, discomfort, or even dysphoria.

In an attempt to restore chemical balance, dynorphin can actually increase cravings, reinforcing the cycle of substance misuse. As tolerance builds, more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effects. With chronic consumption, the pleasure from dopamine release decreases, creating a never-ending game of catch-up where the goal becomes relieving discomfort rather than generating pleasure.

Hijacking the Prefrontal Cortex

Changes in neurotransmitter levels also affect the prefrontal cortex—the brain region responsible for executive functions like decision-making, impulse control, and long-term planning. Think of it as the brain's CEO, working behind the scenes to keep everything in check.

Alcohol disrupts this CEO's usual duties, turning restraint into a casual "why not?" approach to decision-making. This leads to uninhibited behavior, impaired judgment, poor coordination, and memory issues—the classic signs of being tipsy or drunk.

The long-term effects are even more concerning. Excessive drinking can cause lasting damage to the prefrontal cortex, potentially resulting in addiction, chronic impulsivity, mood disorders, and cognitive impairments affecting memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Heavy drinking may even cause physical brain shrinkage over time.

Neuroplasticity and Recovery

Fortunately, the brain is resilient and has a remarkable ability to repair itself. Abstinence from alcohol can help reverse some negative effects, particularly on cognition and motor skills. However, it's important to note that damage from extended periods of heavy drinking may be irreversible.

Understanding how alcohol interacts with the brain can help inform better choices about consumption. This knowledge empowers us to make healthier decisions and reinforces the importance of moderation and responsible drinking.

Support Your Brain Health With Quitemate

If you're ready to change your relationship with alcohol and support your brain health for years to come, Quitemate is here to help you get started. Using the tools and skills in the app, you can begin transforming how you view alcohol and gain more control over how it fits into your life, leading to positive changes in your mental well-being and overall health.

With our top-rated app, you'll get access to:

• Daily readings about the science behind alcohol and its effects on your mind and body
• Comprehensive courses that supplement your knowledge from the readings
• Daily tasks including journal prompts, guided meditations, and motivational quotes
• A supportive global community available 24/7 through our Forum chat
• Licensed coaches for one-on-one counseling sessions and daily check-ins via Zoom

The Quitemate in-app Toolkit is a treasure trove of resources designed to support your journey, providing additional information about how alcohol affects your body and mind. Quitemate is free for 7 days—give it a try! We're confident we can make your journey toward brain health and overall wellness easier and more enjoyable.