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by terrig on April 23rd, 2010

terrig

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IS the reason why adults drink alcohol is because it tastes strong?

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  • by NuevoYorican on April 23rd, 2010

    NuevoYorican

    No,

    the main reason why people drink alcohol is because of its effect not taste.

    We flavor alcohol to taste better hence the thousands of drinks one can order from a bar such as a Fuzzy Navel, or Pina Colada, or Long Island Ice tea. So no we do not drink it because it taste strong.

    Every mood altering substance from heroin to coffee has an effect on the neurotransmitter system of the brain. Some psychoactive drugs affect only one specific neurotransmitter system, whereas others affect many. Morphine, for example, mimics the neurotransmitter beta-endorphin--a natural painkiller found in the brain. Morphine is shaped like beta-endorphin and binds to the beta-endorphin receptors thus acting as a painkiller and also giving rise to feelings of pleasure. Caffeine is shaped like Adenosine and acts on the adenosine receptors. Alcohol on the other hand affects many different neurotransmitters, not just one, Why is this?

    Morphine and caffeine are both large molecules. Neurotransmitters are also large molecules. Morphine and caffeine have the effects which they do because of their similarity in shape to neurotransmitters which occur naturally in the brain. Alcohol on the other hand is a quite small molecule. Alcohol does not mimic a neurotransmitter. So then how does alcohol affect neurotransmitters?

    Alcohol is a fat soluble molecule. Fats (called lipids) are a major component of all cell membranes, including the cell membranes of neurons. Alcohol enters the cell membranes of neurons and changes their properties. Receptors are located on cell membranes and this means that receptor properties are altered by the presence of alcohol. Cell membranes also control the release of neurotransmitters and this means that the release of neurotransmitters is also affected by the presence of alcohol.

    The effects of alcohol on receptors and neurotransmitters have been well documented for several neurotransmitters and their corresponding receptors. Alcohol inhibits glutamate receptor function. This causes muscular relaxation, discoordination, slurred speech, staggering, memory disruption, and blackouts. Alcohol enhances GABA receptor function This causes feelings of calm, anxiety-reduction and sleep
    Alcohol raises dopamine levels this leads to excitement and stimulation
    Alcohol raises endorphine levels, this kills pain and leads to an endorphin "high".

    Alcohol is really a non-specific neurotransmitter inhibitor and stimulator that is why people drink it...

    Or their bodies could be addicted to it, like a cigarette or heroine.

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