Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain

PSY492 Advanced General Psychology

Kayla Switzer (Sweeney)

February 25, 2011

Introduction

Violence, especially domestic violence and child abuse, happens while one or more people are intoxicated. Most even believe they do not have a problem with alcohol.

There is a lo t o f data and research done on a lcohol and i ts e f fects . I t i s considered the worst drug in the wor ld , yet i t i s s t i l l l ega l . Most o f the money spent in the medica l and legal f ie lds are re la ted to a lcohol abuse. Medica l imaging has opened the door to understand what a lcohol actua l ly does to the bra in .

Behavior

The prefrontal cortex’s structure is changed

through long-term use which leads to abnormal

behavior visible to others. Cerebral blood

flow increases while blood glucose

decreases. Lower functioning of the thalamus and an increase in brain

metabolism.

While drinking, the parts of the brain associated with pleasure are activated. These areas motivate the person to keep drinking to keep feeling the pleasurable effects.

When drinking stops, a person experiences negative effects; the next morning’s hangover. When a person has been drinking for many years, the “want” for alcohol becomes the “need” for alcohol.

Neurotransmitters

Numerous neurotransmitters are effected; GABA, serotonin, and Dopamine are a few examples. They are either overexcited or inhibited by the alcohol. The bonding of the neurotransmitters to the neurons is either prevented or overwhelmed.

ALCOHOL HAS MANY DAMAGING EFFECTS TO THE PHYSICAL BRAIN

AND COMMUNICATIONS OF THE BRAIN, ALCOHOL ADDICTION IS

STARTED AS A RESULT OF POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT AND IS

MAINTAINED TO ALLEVIATE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS, AND DIFFERENT TYPES OF IMAGING

TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE USED TO STUDY ALCOHOLISM AND

ALCOHOL’S EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN AND THE BODY.

But is it?

Research needs to be done to see whether it is the type of drink being drunk, genetics related to alcoholism and violent behavior, and if there is a way to prevent drinking and/or aggressive behavior. Research has shown addiction is from the positive effects of drinking alcohol

Alcohol can cause aggressive behavior; how does alcohol interact in the brain, neurocommunication, and why do some people get violent while others do not?

Further Research

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