Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization

by Edward Slingerland

alcoholic inebriation is “biphasal.” The ascending phase, as blood alcohol levels rise, is characterized by stimulation and mild euphoria, as alcohol enhances the release of dopamine and serotonin. This is when alcohol mimics the effect of pure stimulants, like cocaine or MDMA. During this phase, alcohol also triggers the release of endorphins. You can think of it, in this regard, as something like a mild version of morphine, providing a pain-killing effect, enhancing overall mood, and decreasing anxiety.57 In its descending phase, as blood alcohol levels peak and then start to decline, alcohol has its depressant effect. In terms of inhibition of brain functioning, alcohol provides a depressant double-whammy. It enhances or exaggerates the activity of GABAA receptors, which function to inhibit neural activity, while simultaneously depressing the activity of glutamate receptors, which normally excite neural activity. So, when it comes to brain activity, alcohol simultaneously slams on the brakes and lets its foot off the accelerator. This neural screeching to a halt is what, especially at high blood alcohol levels, causes a sedative effect.58