Booze Blues and Beer Goggles; Understanding the Impact of Alcohol on the Brain
From the boozy highs to the beer goggles, understanding how alcohol impacts cognition, neurotransmitters, and hormones is crucial for maintaining a balanced and mindful approach to its consumption. Let's explore five ways in which our regular tipple can impact our wellbeing.
1. Cognition on the Rocks
Alcohol's impact on the brain begins with the prefrontal cortex, our centre for judgment and decision-making. Lowered inhibitions and increased risk-taking behavior are the immediate results, leading to the familiar phenomenon of "beer goggles." Additionally, the hippocampus, responsible for memory formation, and the motor control and processing centre are affected, resulting in slowed reaction speeds and disrupted nerve signal transmission.
2. Dopamine, GABA, and the Reward System
Alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine, the brain's reward neurotransmitter, creating a sense of pleasure and encouraging further consumption. However, over time, tolerance develops, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same sensation. By binding to GABA receptors, alcohol induces a feeling of calm. Excessive GABA release can slow brain activity, leading to low mood for some individuals.
3. Cortisol Chaos
The initial rise in cortisol, triggered by alcohol's stimulation of the body's stress response, can lead to anxiety, irritability, and even anger. Prolonged alcohol use can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, causing fluctuations in cortisol levels, impacting appetite, energy levels, and sleep quality.
4. Insulin Instability
Alcohol spikes blood sugar, prompting a rapid release of insulin. This process contributes to delayed hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and, over time, can lead to insulin resistance, especially when combined with poor sleep and elevated cortisol levels.
5. Serotonin and Melatonin in the Mix
Alcohol temporarily elevates serotonin levels, creating a sense of relaxation, increased confidence, and mild euphoria. However, as levels subsequently drop, the notorious "booze blues" can set in, potentially exacerbating mood disorders. Furthermore, alcohol disrupts melatonin production, leading to decreased overall levels and delayed release, disrupting sleep patterns and impacting sleep quality.
While alcohol can certainly be part of a healthful routine, it's crucial to recognise its potential impact on cognition, neurotransmitter function, and hormonal balance. By acknowledging our individual circumstances and making mindful decisions about when, where, and how we consume alcohol, we can promote a healthier relationship with this socially ingrained beverage.
Cheers to knowledge, moderation, and well-being!
Phoebe x
