Alcohol

Other consequences: endorphins

Endorphins, or ‘natural opiates’, are inhibitory neurotransmitters secreted by your own body. The endorphin system can slow or stop your breathing.

Breathing rhythm is regulated by the medulla oblongata. This brain area contains many endorphin (or opioid) receptors that control your breathing muscles. When endorphins bind to these receptors, that reduces the activity of the neurons in the medulla oblongata, leading to slower breathing.

Because alcohol stimulates the release of endorphins, these neurons become inhibited, and this can slow down your breathing or even stop it altogether.