Alcohol Use And Its Complications

Alcohol (ethanol) use is prevalent worldwide, with effects ranging from acute intoxication to severe, long-term health consequences involving multiple organ systems.  Alcohol-related mortality accounts for nearly 3 million deaths annually, representing approximately 5% of all deaths worldwide.  Alcohol use disorder, an inability to control alcohol intake despite adverse consequences (including those related to either acute intoxication or alcohol withdrawal), affects a substantial portion of the population across age groups, with adolescents, young adults, and individuals age >60 most vulnerable to developing problematic drinking patterns.

Alcohol acts as a CNS depressant by modulating several neurotransmitter systems, leading to both immediate and long-term effects:

• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA):  Alcohol potentiates GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, resulting in sedative and anxiolytic effects that contribute to intoxication.  Chronic alcohol use causes downregulation of GABA​ receptors, leading to tolerance and dependence.  Abrupt cessation results in decreased GABA-mediated inhibitory tone, contributing to withdrawal symptoms.