Posted by loosmrbls on May 14, 2001, at 12:52:10
In reply to How does alcohol effect the brain...., posted by DN on May 14, 2001, at 12:16:37
Alcohol (Ethanol) is such a low molecular-weight molecule that it rapidly goes through the gut, into the bloodstream, and into the nervous system.
Once there, it is known to interfere with normal metabolism (decreases the brain cell's ability to make energy) and it alters the cell membrane so that some processes are slowed or stopped. Overall, it slows the central nervous system down substantially. This is why judgement, balance, speech, vision, co-ordination, etc. are all affected.
I think we are still in the beginning stages of understanding the specifics of OCD, but we seem to know serotonin plays a role.
I can only guess that the alcohol slows down over-functioning neural pathways (along with everything else) and therefore helps with your symptoms. Or slows you down to the point where you just can't process the O/C thoughts. I don't know exactly.
However, think of alcohol as just another drug and consider the short-term and long-term side effects, and if they are worth it.
poster:loosmrbls
thread:62904
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/62913.html