2024-12-30 12:40:00
Alcohol disinhibits because euphoric messenger substances are released in the brain. But the ability to react decreases and not only nightmares or headaches appear, but also tears of film: the memories are lost forever.
From headaches to broken movies: alcohol can have serious consequences, and not just on New Year’s Eve. In the brain, the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed essentially at the same time, explains Martin Morgenthaler, senior doctor in the Department of Neurology Western Palatinate Clinic in Kaiserslautern. When drunk, alcohol reaches the brain after six minutes.
Alcohol has a depressant effect in most regions of the brain, as Morgenthaler explains. Cellular processes would be slowed down, especially the transmission of stimuli, i.e. communication between cells. Those affected perceive it this way: “The reaction decreases, I feel dizzy, my vision decreases, I can no longer evaluate situations correctly.”
The processes of the mitochondria, the power plants of the cells, are also slowed down – and this increases when alcohol is consumed together with nicotine. As a result, the energy supply to cells deteriorates.
The extreme of this attenuation is the proverbial breakdown of the film. Then the transfer from short-term to long-term memory no longer works, explains the doctor. “Medically, the film tear is an amnesia for what I am experiencing.” In extreme cases, you may have no memory of the entire night. “The likelihood of this happening increases the faster and more alcohol you consume.” It is even greater if alcoholic beverages are drunk together or in combination with other drugs.
Alcohol has an activating effect in certain regions of the brain. That’s why you would feel a euphoric effect: “We are a little more uninhibited because messenger substances such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are released,” explains Morgenthaler. It can create a high that you want to have again and again.
The interaction of predominantly attenuating and occasionally activating effects causes a lot of confusion in the brain. “It’s basically like pressing the accelerator and braking at the same time. The whole balance that has to exist is completely messed up.”
The punishment comes the next morning at the latest: the skull buzzes. According to the doctor, one of the reasons is that acetaldehyde is formed during the breakdown of alcohol. This changes the body’s messenger substances, as a result of which oxygen free radicals are formed, which cause headaches. Additionally, every alcoholic beverage contains methanol, the breakdown of which produces formaldehyde and acetic acid, which also cause hangover symptoms.
“A second point is drainage,” says Morgenthaler. Like coffee, alcohol increases the frequency of going to the bathroom. Restless sleep is also typical after a night of drinking. Initially alcohol promotes sleep. “That’s why many people drink in the evening, then rumination stops a bit and you can sleep well,” says the neurologist. But at night this turns into the opposite.
The toxins that are created when alcohol breaks down cause you to wake up over and over again and have to go to the bathroom more, explains Morgenthaler. “Many people also feel thirsty and wake up and have very fractional sleep.” Alcohol also affects deep sleep, which therefore no longer covers all regions of the brain, says Morgenthaler. The frontal lobe of the brain remains active. The result is that you tend to have negative dreams.
All in all, it’s no surprise that you often feel exhausted and exhausted the next day. People who alternately drink water with an alcoholic drink and perhaps a glass of orange juice at the end suffer less. But there is one trick in particular that is particularly effective: starting the new year without alcohol.
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#Alcohol #brain #gas #brake #time
Discussion Between Time.news Editor and martin Morgenthaler, Neurology Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon,Dr. Morgenthaler. We’ve recently published an article highlighting the dual nature of alcohol’s effects on the brain, especially how it both disinhibits us by releasing euphoric neurotransmitters and concurrently impairs our cognitive functions. Can you elaborate on this phenomenon?
Martin Morgenthaler: Absolutely! alcohol indeed acts as a disinhibitor, mainly because it promotes the release of certain neurotransmitters that induce feelings of euphoria. However, one of the critical points is that while it initially may make you feel relaxed or happy, it ultimately slows down cerebral processes. This dual effect can lead to notable impairment in memory and cognitive function.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions experiences like nightmares and the phenomenon of “broken movies.” Can you explain what that means in the context of memory?
Martin Morgenthaler: Certainly. The term “broken movies” refers to gaps in memory—commonly known as blackouts—that can occur after heavy drinking. This happens as alcohol particularly disrupts functions in critical areas of the brain, especially the hippocampus, which is essential for forming new memories. Disruption in neurotransmission, like that of GABA and NMDA receptors, essentially inhibits our brain’s ability to store memories properly while intoxicated. Therefore, some experiences may be completely forgotten.
Time.news Editor: That’s interesting,yet concerning. Many people overlook how quickly alcohol affects the brain. You mentioned that it reaches the brain in about six minutes. How does this rapid onset contribute to the risks?
Martin Morgenthaler: Yes, the rapid absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream means that its effects can be felt very quickly, often before someone is fully aware of how impaired they are becoming. This can lead to poor decision-making and risky behavior,amplifying the potential for both physical harm and lasting psychological impacts,such as anxiety or depression,especially with continued use or binge drinking.
Time.news Editor: Some might argue that consuming alcohol in moderation could mitigate these effects. Is there truth to that viewpoint, or do the risks outweigh the benefits?
Martin Morgenthaler: Moderation is crucial.While moderate drinking might reduce the acute risks of severe impairment and memory loss, even moderate consumption can still adversely affect brain health over time. Long-term alcohol use is a recognized risk factor for developing cognitive decline and conditions like dementia. Thus, fostering a culture of understanding and moderation, rather than acceptance of heavy drinking, is vital for long-term brain health.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. morgenthaler, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that while alcohol can create enjoyable moments, it’s essential to approach it with awareness and caution, especially regarding cognitive health.
Martin Morgenthaler: My pleasure! Understanding the impact of alcohol on the brain can help individuals make informed choices about their consumption, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.