What do we call a state of consciousness that can result from the use of alcohol?
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By Katie Lynch Show
The consumption of alcohol directly influences specific processes of the brain, the command center of the body, which results in feeling inebriated. Breaking down the science of being buzzed, Regina Krel, M.D., headache medicine specialist at the Headache Center at the Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center, shares an inside look at what happens to your brain when you drink, as well as the side effects afterwards. Scientifically speaking, what’s happening in your body as you’re getting “drunk?” “Once you start consuming alcohol, your liver begins breaking it down. An enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase is responsible for breaking down alcohol to acetaldehyde and that is then further broken down to acetic acid,” notes Dr. Krel. “Getting drunk occurs when you consume alcohol faster than you can break it down.” What are the effects of consuming alcohol?“Alcohol is a depressant to our bodies. Some of the visible symptoms you are used to seeing in someone who’s drunk – slurred speech, loss of coordination, falling, loss of inhibition, passing out – all of these side effects are a result of our brain cells communicating at a slower rate,” explains Dr. Krel. Dopamine ReleaseThe initial euphoric effects of alcohol are a result of dopamine being released from the reward center in the brain.
Slower Brain Response“Alcohol also increases the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. By increasing the effects of GABA, responses in the brain are decreased – this slowed neurotransmission results in slurred speech,” identifies Dr. Krel. “Our limbic system is involved in emotional responses, which is also slowed by alcohol, resulting in the loss of inhibition experienced while getting drunk.” Lack of CoordinationYou may notice an inebriated person stumbling, or having difficulty walking straight – this is because the part of your brain that controls coordination, the cerebellum, is very sensitive to alcohol. Passing out or sleepiness is also another side effect. The reticular activating system is an area in the brainstem that controls consciousness, alcohol can dampen this system. Increased Urination & DehydrationAlcohol also blocks vasopressin, a hormone that prevents our kidneys from eliminating too much fluid. This can increase the need to urinate and precipitate dehydration. Dr. Krel also mentions, “Contrary to popular belief, getting drunk reduces sexual responses.” What is a hangover?A hangover occurs during and after the overconsumption of alcohol. Dr. Krel notes, “The actual mechanism of what happens during a hangover is still not clear but is thought to be a result of the toxicity of acetaldehyde on the body, changes in electrolytes, dehydration, and low blood sugar. The most common symptoms during a hangover include headache, nausea, dizziness, feeling sleepy or sluggish.” What are the short and long-term effects of alcohol use on your brain and body?The short-term effects of consuming excess alcohol can result in:
Prolonged use of alcohol is toxic to neurons and can result in neuron death.
“Since alcohol consumption impacts the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in memory formation, overuse can result in memory impairment,” Dr. Krel warns. “Alcohol is also toxic to the nerves outside of the brain and the nervous system which can result in the loss of sensation of your hands and feet, known as neuropathy.” Outside of the nervous system, alcohol can permanently damage the liver and result in liver cirrhosis.
If you have a dependency on alcohol, it is important to seek professional help.
How do we know if it is a hangover, or something more serious?“Medical attention should be sought during prolonged periods of vomiting because that can result in dangerous electrolyte abnormalities and severe dehydration. You should also seek help if there are signs of alcohol poisoning; symptoms include decreased or irregular breathing, decreased heart rate, decreased body temperature, stupor, or seizures,” recommends Dr. Krel. For non-emergent situations, most hangovers will pass with time, rest, hydration and Advil for headache relief. Dr. Krel warns that Tylenol is not recommended to treat headaches related to alcohol use, “It also metabolizes in the liver and can result in liver toxicity/failure which can be serious.” “To mitigate some of the effects of alcohol and prevent or lessen your hangovers, it’s recommended to limit your alcohol intake, drink water in between drinks, and try to eat foods with a high fat content to decrease alcohol absorption,” guides Dr. Krel. Next Steps & Resources:
The material provided through Health Hub is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care. What are the states of consciousness?Our level of awareness of internal events and external surroundings is known as a state of consciousness. States of consciousness can also be divided into two broad categories – normal waking consciousness and altered states of consciousness.
What is altered state consciousness?An altered state of consciousness is a change in one's normal mental state as a result of trauma or accident or induced through meditation, drugs, some foods, etc. [1] The person is not unconscious.
What level of consciousness is sleep?Sleep is a physiological state of reduced consciousness. However, consciousness can be also impaired or completely lost as a consequence of pathology. A person can have different degrees of consciousness and in turn awareness.
What is the primary difference between a hypnagogic and Hypnopompic hallucination?Hypnopompic hallucinations occur while a person is waking up, and hypnagogic hallucinations occur while falling asleep. In 86% of cases, hypnopompic hallucinations are visual. They often involve seeing moving shapes and colors, or images of animals or people. Between 8% and 34% of these hallucinations involve sound.
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