Though it’s legal and easily available, alcohol can affect your brain in some of the same ways as many illicit substances. These mind-altering effects can have serious consequences, including addiction, mental health issues and long-term cognitive impairment.
If you choose to drink alcohol, you must understand what makes it a psychoactive substance – and why that matters for your well-being.
What Does “Psychoactive” Mean?
A psychoactive drug is any substance that alters brain function, leading to changes in mood, consciousness, thoughts or behavior. Psychoactive substances influence your central nervous system, modifying the way neurons communicate with each other.
Some examples of psychoactive drugs include:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Cannabis
- Prescription medications like benzodiazepines or antidepressants
- Illicit drugs such as cocaine, LSD, or heroin
Alcohol fits squarely into this category because it profoundly affects your mood, judgment, motor skills, memory and decision-making.
What Makes Alcohol a Psychoactive Substance?
When you drink alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it acts upon neurotransmitters – chemicals responsible for transmitting signals in the brain. Specifically, alcohol enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows brain activity and creates the initial relaxing or euphoric sensations.
At the same time, alcohol inhibits glutamate, a neurotransmitter that usually increases brain activity. This dual action suppresses brain function, which is why you may become disoriented, uninhibited or emotionally unstable when you’re under the influence.
Even small amounts of alcohol can:
- Change your mood
- Lower your inhibitions
- Affect your coordination
- Impair your decision-making ability
In larger quantities, alcohol can cause blackouts, aggression, slowed reflexes or even unconsciousness – further illustrating its powerful psychoactive nature.
The Risk of Dependence
Because alcohol has such a significant impact on brain chemistry, repeated use can lead to psychological and physical dependence. Over time, your brain adapts to the presence of alcohol and begins relying on it to function “normally.”
As dependence grows, you may:
- Need more alcohol to feel the same effect
- Feel anxious or irritable without it
- Use alcohol to cope with stress or emotional discomfort
- Have trouble cutting back, even when you experience adverse consequences
Brain Changes Caused by Alcohol Addiction
Chronic alcohol use can cause long-term changes to brain structure and function. These make alcohol use disorder a chronic disease – not a moral failing or lack of willpower.
- Impaired prefrontal cortex function, which affects impulse control and judgment
- Reduced hippocampal volume, leading to memory problems
- Desensitization of your innate reward system, making it harder to feel pleasure from normal activities
- Increased risk of co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation
A Clearer Mind Starts With Compassionate Care
Casual alcohol use can quickly spiral into a dangerous habit. Warning signs of alcohol addiction include:
- Frequent blackouts or memory gaps
- Feeling you need alcohol to relax, sleep or function socially
- Continuing to drink despite problems at work, school or in relationships
- Hiding or feeling guilty about how much you drink
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating or anxiety when you are sober
Pine Grove’s industry-leading programs provide evidence-based support for clients struggling with alcohol dependence, mental health disorders or both. Reach out to verify your insurance coverage and get answers to your questions.
