Neurobiological Mechanisms for Alcoholism Essay -- Biology Essays Rese

Neurobiological Mechanisms for AlcoholismWhile inebriant 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 thus far abuses, alcohol will actually become an alcoholic who is physically parasitic on the drug. Not all of the mechanisms that cause one to become given to alcohol have been clarified. However, there seem to be two main reasons for alcohol addiction. One is that the chronic consumption of alcohol causes changes in the understanding that result in a dependence on alcohol. Another is that any(prenominal) individuals have abnormalities in their brains that result in a greater proclivity to become addicted to alcohol. The report in 1990 of the discovery of an alcoholism broker, while not fully supported by subsequent studies, is demonstrative 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 principal postsynaptic receptors for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. When stimulated by GABA, these receptors respond by rise 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 sensitive 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 sort of different, and result in a decreased sensitivity of GABA-A receptors to both alco... ...s/Blum-full.html2. OTA repute Biological Basis for Substance Abuse and Addictionhttp//www.drugtext.nk/norml/aaota_cont.html3. Center account Vol 8 No 3http//www.med.unc.edu/wrkunits/3ctrpgm/alcohol/cen line/8_3_1.html4. ibidem5. OTA insure6. impost LINK - Psychopharmacology - Abstract Volume 129 Issue 2 (1997) pp 99-111 http//link.springer-ny.com/link/ usefulness/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 comprehensive list of major studies on this subject)20. American Scientist