how does alcohol affect the brain

Alcohol affects the brain primarily by interfering with its communication pathways, leading to impaired balance, memory, speech, judgment, and coordination. It acts as a neurotoxin to neurons, disrupting brain chemistry by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and suppressing the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. This causes sedation, relaxation, and slower brain activity, impairing cognitive and motor functions. Long-term heavy drinking can cause brain shrinkage (atrophy), neuron damage, and alterations in brain structure, particularly in the frontal lobe, limbic system, and cerebellum, which affect decision-making, emotional processing, and movement coordination. Alcohol misuse can also lead to memory blackouts, brain injury, and severe disorders like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome due to vitamin deficiencies. These effects are more pronounced in adolescents and chronic heavy drinkers, with potential lasting impacts on cognition and mental health.