A member asked:

What are the direct dangers to the brain and effect of impairing glutamate, endorphine and gaba functioning with alcohol?

9 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Jeff Blixt answered

Specializes in Addiction Medicine

See Below: Chronic abuse of alcohol causes dysregulation of the neurotransmitters, the receptors that these neurotransmitters act on also change. Alcohol is a depressant so the brain tries to balance itself out if chronically exposed, when alcohol is removed, brain cannot adjust back quickly, and is hyperexcited with excess glutamate, decreased GABA and endorphins, thus withdrawal and cravings begin.

Answered 10/6/2016

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Physical damage: Alcohol ultimately results in increased brain glutamate, and this Amino Acid is neurotoxic and may be partly responsible for the brain damage, as well as the marked excitation, delirium, seizures and memory problems found in alcoholics. The endorphin and GABA changes do not cause damage, but are part of the addictive cycle that alcoholics develop, wanting more GABA and endorphin effects.

Answered 2/18/2015

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Is alcohol in anti convulsant since it is a GABA agonist like benzodiazepines?

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