Alcohol has a significant effect on the brain, acting on neurons and various neurochemicals. It can modify cell membranes, along with their ion channels, enzymes and receptors. Alcohols’ effect on the central nervous system (CNS) is largely due to its action on different neurotransmitters. A major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Alcohol amplifies the effect of GABA by binding to and stimulating GABA receptors, causing the opening of ion channels. This allows for an influx of chloride ions and subsequent hyperpolarization of the cell, which leads to an inhibitory effect. The inhibitory effects on the CNS caused by alcohol’s actions on GABA include sedation, relaxation and a loss of
