health
Why does alcohol make us both happy and miserable
It sends us to sleep and wakes us in the night, excites us and depresses us, gives us confidence one moment, anxiety the next. How does this messy drug wield so much power?
TL;DR
- Alcohol is pharmacologically promiscuous, affecting multiple neurotransmitter systems like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, glutamate, and GABA.
- It initially enhances GABA and dampens glutamate, leading to reduced inhibition, increased talkativeness, and a feeling of relaxation.
- As blood alcohol concentration rises, it affects primitive brain regions, impairing coordination, speech, and reaction times.
- The day after, the brain's compensatory excitation leads to a rebound state of anxiety, restlessness, and disrupted sleep.
- Alcohol can increase intestinal permeability, causing inflammation via the gut-brain axis which can impact mood and cognition.
- Understanding the biological reasons for alcohol's effects can help individuals use it more intentionally or find healthier alternatives.