Alcohol

Normal condition: GABA and glutamate

GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows down the activity of other nerve cells, or neurons. Alcohol stimulates the GABA system. Its inhibitory effects on other nerve cells become stronger, making you feel calm and relaxed. Nerve cells sensitive to GABA are found in all parts of the brain.

Glutamate activates a different set of nerve cells. Alcohol inhibits the activity of glutamate. This reduces the excitatory effects that glutamate has on other neurons. The brain centre for learning and memory is located in the hippocampus. Alcohol especially slows down the transfer of information by glutamate between nerve cells in this brain area.