Neurobiology of Addiction

Neurobiology of Addiction

2006, Pages 173-241
Neurobiology of Addiction

CHAPTER 5 - Alcohol

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012419239-3/50042-4Get rights and content

Publisher Summary

Alcohol is a legal drug that is widely used in society for social and medical benefits. However, alcohol taken in excess is one of the most toxic substances in society from the perspective of both behavioral and physical damage to the body. This chapter discusses the history of alcohol use, abuse, and alcoholism. It also describes the behavioral mechanism of action, neurobiological mechanisms, and pharmacokinetics of alcohol usage. Chronic use of alcohol can lead to alcoholism or alcohol abuse and numerous medical conditions ranging from cirrhosis of the liver and heart disease to pancreatitis, Korsakoff's dementia, and fetal alcohol syndrome. The behavioral mechanism of action of alcohol is its disinhibitory effects that account for a large part of the intoxication and euphoria associated with alcohol and its social use. The neurobiological mechanism of action for the acute reinforcing effects of alcohol involves activation of some of the same reward neurotransmitters implicated in the actions of psychostimulants and opioids, including dopamine and opioid peptides, but with an initial action at ligand-gated ion channel receptors such as GABA and glutamate. Molecular genetic studies using quantitative trait loci analysis have identified specific chromosomes and genes that are implicated in alcohol preference and withdrawal.

References (0)

Cited by (0)

View full text