title: Alcohol, neurotransmitter systems, and behavior.
abstract: Alcohol affects several neurotransmitter systems within the brain. In this article, the author describes its effects on 5 major ones: glutamate, gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), dopamine, serotonin, and opioid systems. The author also notes the interactions and interdependencies of these transmitters, and provides details on both immediate effects and long-term adaptations. Last, the author explains several psychopharmacological treatments for alcoholism and the effects of these treatments on transmitters, and draws conclusions.
authors.affiliation: Boise State University, USA. garvin_chastain@alumni.utexas.net
authors.forename: Garvin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chastain
mesh_terms: D000427:Alcohol Deterrents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000818:Animals; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000427:Alcohol Deterrents; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; D000431:Ethanol