How does alcohol affect the brain and behavior?

Alcohol significantly affects brain function and behavior, leading to a wide spectrum of reactions. While some individuals may experience a sense of euphoria or heightened sociability when consuming alcohol, others may display aggressive or violent behavior. This variability is due to the complex ways alcohol interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain, influencing mood, perception, and motor skills.

Alcohol alters the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which can create feelings of pleasure and relaxation in lower quantities, leading to euphoria in some individuals. However, as consumption increases, the depressant effects of alcohol can lead to impaired judgment, reduced inhibitions, and increased aggression or violence in others. The range of effects underscores the unpredictable nature of alcohol's impact on both the individual and interactions with others.