The Direct Impact Alcohol Has on Neurotransmitters?
The exact effect alcohol has on these specific neurotransmitters is still under investigation at a molecular level; although, we do know that alcohol is the caused for the increase or decrease of activity in all of these molecules. Alcohol being a depressant then obviously causes there to be lower levels of serotonin, changing a persons mood. Serotonin levels become use to being low in alcoholics, causing a need for alcohol and constant feeling of depression without it. With GABA neurotransmitters alcohol substantially increases the molecules ability to inhibit the receiving neuron causing greater inhibition and hyper-polerization making it much more difficult to fire the neuron. When alcohol is in contact with dopamine it produces higher dopamine levels in the reward centres of the brain causing the person to feel relaxed and happy, or cheery. This can lead to false confidence making people more talkative and alter their personality, due to confidence levels.