Neurobiological Mechanisms for Alcoholism Essay -- Biology Essays Rese

Neurobiological Mechanisms for AlcoholismWhile alcohol could soundly be considered the most socially acceptable psychoactive drug in our society, the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction atomic number 18 well known. However, not everyone who uses, or even abuses, alcohol will actually live an alcoholic who is physically dependent on the drug. Not all of the mechanisms that cause one to become addicted to alcohol have been clarified. However, there seem to be devil main reasons for alcohol addiction. One is that the chronic consumption of alcohol causes changes in the brain that result in a dependence on alcohol. another(prenominal) is that some individuals have abnormalities in their brains that result in a greater tendency to become addicted to alcohol. The report in 1990 of the discovery of an tipsiness gene, while not fully supported by ensuant studies, is illustrative of many observations that the brain chemistry of alcoholics is different from nonalcoholics.1The acute d o 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 military action on GABA-A receptors, the principal postsynaptic receptors for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. When stimulated by GABA, these receptors respond by opening an ion channel that allows Cl- ions to insert 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 quite different, and result in a decreased sensitivity of GABA-A receptors to twain alco... ...s/Blum-full.html2. OTA cover Biological Basis for Substance Abuse and Addictionhttp//www.drugtext.nk/norml/aaota_cont.html3. cracker Line Vol 8 No 3http//www.med.unc.edu/wrkunits/3ctrpgm/alcohol/cenli ne/8_3_1.html4. ib.5. OTA write up6. SPRINGER LINK - Psychopharmacology - Abstract Volume 129 Issue 2 (1997) pp 99-111 http// touch base.springer-ny.com/link/service/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 wide listing of major studies on this subject)20. American Scientist