• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

gammaaminobutyricacid.org

The Ultimate Resource for GABA

  • What is GABA?
    • Research
  • Supplements
  • Benefits
  • Side Effects
  • Deficiency
  • About
    • Contact
  • Blog

The Effects of Alcohol on GABA in the Brain

December 22, 2013 By Henry

gaba alcohol

Drinking can make a person lower their inhibitions. For example. it can  make a withdrawn person open up, to feel more comfortable in situations where they might otherwise be extremely anxious in when less tipsy or otherwise completely sober. Knowing that GABA is a major inhibitor in the brain that limits the production of many chemicals which might cause one to feel anxious or nervous, naturally it would be assumed that there is some sort of connection.

Alcohol is thought to imitate the effect of GABA on the brain, similar to GABA-like products which have been employed to reduce spasms. That’s because much like GABA, it also inhibits glutamate, a major excitatory neurotransmitter.

Alcohol also contributes to the release of other inhibitors like serotonin and dopamine. In fact, drinking even a minute amount of alcohol can cause an increase of dopamine in the part of the brain called the nucleus accumbens, colloquially referred to as a “reward center” in the brain.

It is highly possible that glutamate receptors and GABA found in some of the so called “reward centers” of the brain combine to make a positive reinforcement system. To be more precise, many neurotransmitters in different parts of the brain chain to make drinking alcohol, even in small doses, enjoyable.

However, there are side effects to this that can affect you in the short term. These range from a mild buzz to impaired reaction times, which is why drinking and driving should never go together. For the long term, as is common when a drug is relied upon too much, the body builds up a tolerance to it, as well as a dependence (addiction).

It is unfortunate that the brain usually does not notice that the result of relief that alcohol provides is only in the short term. When an individual drinks too much, the GABA function in their brain will be depleted as well as, possibly, an overly sensitive glutamate system.

Alcoholics feel great when boozing off, but it is very brief and temporary. Their constant need to get buzzed to feel the sensations of the reward centers ultimately makes the system worse off by eventually building a high tolerance and dependence on it.

 

Photo Credit: Darwin Bell

Article of interest: GABA Benefits

Related posts:

  1. GABA’s Role in the Brain
  2. GABA Deficiency: How Does it Affect You?
  3. Find Out the Causes of Anxiety Disorders
  4. Overcome Your Anxiety with the Help of Beta Blockers

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • GABAA Receptors
  • GABA’s Role in the Brain
  • What Are GABA Sublingual Supplements
  • Using GABA As A Natural Remedy for Anxiety and Stress
  • How GABA Works to Relieve Anxiety in the Body
  • Is There Any Difference Between GABA and Gabapentin?
  • 5 Useful Facts You Should Know About GABA Tea Before Drinking
  • 5 Easy Steps to Produce More GABA Naturally
  • Taking GABA to Reduce High Blood Pressure
  • Find Out the Causes of Anxiety Disorders

Footer

Privacy Policy

This blog (“https://gammaaminobutyricacid.org/”) does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This privacy policy is subject to change with or without notice

Disclaimer

All content provided on https://gammaaminobutyricacid.org/ is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner of https://gammaaminobutyricacid.org/ will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. This terms and conditions is subject to change at anytime with or without notice.

Disclosure

Gammaaminobutyricacid.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2025