As the festive season approaches, many will experience the unpleasant aftermath of overindulgence. Scientists explain that alcohol is a 'dirty drug' affecting multiple systems in the brain and almost every organ in the body.
The journey of alcohol through the body begins with the release of the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows brain activity and induces relaxation. This is followed by a dopamine rush, creating a desire for more. However, as consumption continues, alcohol binds to glutamate receptors, suppressing memory formation and moving from the cortex to the cerebellum, impairing movement and coordination.
Further intoxication affects the medulla, which controls heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure, leading to a depression of the central nervous system. The liver metabolises alcohol at about one unit per hour, producing acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct that damages mitochondrial DNA and can cause cognitive decline with regular heavy drinking.
Dehydration results from suppressed vasopressin, increasing urination and leaving the body thirsty and headachy. The immune system also responds by triggering inflammation, which can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and mood changes. Chronic inflammation from regular excessive drinking is linked to diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
To mitigate hangovers, experts recommend staying hydrated with fluids containing sodium, chloride, and potassium, not just water. However, the only sure way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation or abstain.
