Alcohol MoA

• What is alcohol?


  - depressant

  - affects both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters
• What is alcohols mode of action? GIN

  alcohol makes GABA (inhibitory) more effective --> slows down speed at which messages are transmitted between neurons --> alcohol makes the INHIBITORY mechanisms less effective (behave in a less socially acceptable manner)

  
  

  alcohol anaesthetises the nerve endings of NORADRENALINE synapses so they become less effective --> slows down effectiveness of reflexes
• How does alcohol affect GABA?

  > specifically works on GABA receptors

  > increases the amount of GABA, making it more effective

  > slows down speed that messages are transferred at

  > relaxation/sedation/slurred speech
• How does alcohol affect Noradrenaline?

  > anaesthetises the nerve endings of noradrenaline synapses, become less effective
• How does alcohol affect Serotonin?

  > inhibits serotonin the brain

  > prolonged alcohol use can lead to reduced serotonin levels

  > Leads to feelings of depression
• How does alcohol affect Dopamine?

  > causes huge amounts to be released