Neurobiological Mechanisms for Alcoholism Essay -- Biology Essays Rese

Neurobiological Mechanisms for AlcoholismWhile alcoholic drink could well be considered the most socially acceptable psychoactive drug in our society, the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction are well known. However, not everyone who uses, or even abuses, alcohol will truly become an alcoholic who is physically dependent on the drug. Not all of the mechanisms that cause one to become addicted to alcohol have been clarified. However, there front to be two main reasons for alcohol addiction. One is that the chronic consumption of alcohol causes changes in the brain that result in a dependence on alcohol. Another is that some individuals have abnormalities in their brains that result in a greater tendency to become addicted to alcohol. The report in 1990 of the discovery of an crapulence gene, while not fully supported by subsequent studies, is illustrative of many observations that the brain chemistry of alcoholics is different from nonalcoholics.1The acute effects of alcohol on the brain result mainly from its effects on the postsynaptic receptor sites for various neurotransmitters.2 The depressant effects of alcohol arise from its action on GABA-A receptors, the confidential information postsynaptic receptors for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. When stimulated by GABA, these receptors respond by opening an ion channel that allows Cl- ions to enter the neuron, which hyperpolarizes the membrane and reduces the chance for an action potential to occur. These receptors are also fond to alcohol, and its presence allows even more Cl- ions to enter the cell, resulting in further inhibition.3However, the effects of the chronic use of alcohol are quite different, and result in a decreased sensitivity of GABA-A receptors to both alco... ...s/Blum-full.html2. OTA Report Biological Basis for Substance Abuse and Addictionhttp//www.drugtext.nk/norml/aaota_cont.html3. Center Line Vol 8 No 3http//www.med.unc.edu/wrkunits/3ctrpgm/alcohol/cenline/8_3_1.html4. Ibid .5. OTA Report6. SPRINGER LINK - Psychopharmacology - Abstract Volume 129 Issue 2 (1997) pp 99-111 http//link.springer-ny.com/link/service/jounals/00213/bibs/7129002/71290099.htm7. OTA Report8. Ibid.9. American Scientist10. OTA Report11. American Scientist12. Ibid.13. OTA Report14. Honours Thesis by Karen Johnson, UNSW Australia 1996http//javelin.commed.unsw.edu.au/karen/thesis/15. American Scientist16. OTA Report17. Ibid.18. American Scientist19. Honours Thesis(visit this site for a spatiotemporal listing of major studies on this subject)20. American Scientist