The Effects of Alcohol on the X system

The effects of Alcohol on the X system

I am thankful to God for granting us the blessings of health and liberation. During my internship of new comer's co-guide, I saw a few newcomers who were alcohol consumers. After hearing the description of the X system and the damages of the drug consumption on it, they asked, "What are the damages of alcohol to this system?" This question made me want to know more details about the damages of alcohol to the X system.

By definition, the X system includes the natural chemical production systems of  body, neurotransmitters or biochemical mediators and hormones in synaptic space. There is a very small space between two neurons which is called synaptic cleft (gap). In this gap, quasi-opioid substances transmit various messages and the quality of the messages depends on the type and amount of (secretion) of these substances.

On the other hand, an anti-X is defined as all the addictive substances, from any category, that unbalance a person. They are all considered as anti and destructive to the X system.

Regarding the effects of anti-Xs other than alcohol, we know that opium increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin which make (the opium consumer) happy at the beginning of the consumption. On the other hand, it counteracts the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and relaxes muscles and reduces respiration. After drug cessation (withdrawal), these symptoms are reversed; the person is restless and experienced symptoms of deprivation. Consuming crystal increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin, but because it greatly increases the effects of norepinephrine, it causes high irritability in the drug consumer and leads to anger and aggression.

Now, we want to see what effect alcohol has on the X system and how the symptoms develop after consuming or stopping it. The findings show that neurotransmitters do not operate independently and separately, therefore disruption in one transmitter disrupts a set of physical and mental functions and behaviors of human beings.

1- Dopamine

Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that plays an important role in sections such as the reward system, the dynamic system, ethic and behavior, learning power and emotions.

Alcohol diminishes the number of dopamine receptors in the brain. The less response to dopamine is the result of reducing these receptors. Therefore, an alcohol consumer has to drink more to reach the level of the normal pleasure. Also, there are stations in the X system that take back the unused dopamine for re-use. These stations are reduced by alcohol (consumption). The combination of these effects causes the brain of an alcoholic to have the lower dopamine levels.

Finally, the long-term alcohol consumption diminishes dopamine production. That means, production and the receptors are reduced and also the excess of dopamine is not collected.

2- Glutamate

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that increases the activity and energy of the brain. When there is a good level of glutamate in the brain, a person can think in a normal speed. Alcohol suppresses the glutamate production. This leads the consumer to become confused and reduces the power of discernment and decision making. That is, the brain can not process the information at the usual speed and the brain function slows down.

3- GABA

GABA (abbreviation of gamma-Amino butyric acid) is one of the major neurotransmitters in the X system. One of the main functions of GABA is to keep the brain calm. This balance is essential for everyday life. For instance, glutamate helps us stay focused while we are working, and GABA helps us relax at the end of the day. Drinking alcohol causes the GABA to be highly released in the X system; therefore, many people fall asleep after drinking it. Also, alcohol consumption with benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, etc.) leads to an increase in the GABA levels to the point where the vital functions of the brain are inactivated.

4- Endorphin

Endorphins are the key neurotransmitters in the X system whose primary function is to relieve pain. Endorphins are called the body's natural morphine. These compounds are secreted more during the physical activity and exercise or where the body is in pain. Also, laughing improves the endorphins level. In general, endorphins cause the feeling of euphoria and sedative.

Resources:

Mr. Dezhakam. The Book 14 Articles- articles No.2 and 5.

Dovery, D. “Alcohol Addiction Affects Dopamine Levels in Brain”. http://www.medicaldaily.com/alcohol-addiction-dopamine-levels-376577

“Introduction to the X System and the Effects of Opium on it" – Saeed Namaki, Congress 60.

Alcohol and Neurotransmitter Interactions – C.Fernando Valenzuela, M.D, PH.D. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh21-2/144.pdf

Endorphins. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphins

https://www.accessmedicinenetwork.com/posts/34085-the-effect-of-alcohol-on-neurotransmitters-in-the-brain

Written by: Traveller Alireza, Academy branch of Congress 60

Translated by Companion Marzie