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How Does Alcohol Affect The Brain and Central Nervous System?

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 13 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 13 minutes

Alcohol’s impact on the central nervous system (CNS) is profound and immediate, affecting everything from nerve cell communication to brain function.

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The National Survey on Drug Use and Health says that more than 85% of adults can legally drink alcohol. They have all tried it at some point in their lives.

Many people often view drinking as a normal social activity. However, it can hide the real health risks of alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol can change your nervous system. It can also have quick negative effects on your body.

Long-term alcohol consumption can have significant consequences for a person’s nervous system. Chronic drinking can harm nerve cells and interfere with their communication, resulting in many disorders, including neuropathy.

This disorder can result in discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption might result in a smaller brain and difficulties with thinking, memory, and coordination. Many people may not understand how alcohol misuse affects them. This is because drinking is so common in our culture.

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Alcohol & Its Effects on the Body

What Is Alcohol?

When someone mentions alcohol, they’re usually discussing the kind found in drinks like beer, wine, and spirits—the stuff that gets you drunk. This type of alcohol is called ethanol, and it’s made through fermentation. That’s when yeast breaks down the sugars in grains, fruits, or even vegetables.

For instance, the sugars in grapes produce wine, while potatoes can create vodka. Ethanol is a depressant.

This means it slows down brain functions. It affects your thinking and behavior. It can also impact basic functions like your heart rate and breathing.

Even though alcohol is legal in the U.S. and lots of other places, it’s not without its risks. Even small amounts can have adverse effects, and there’s no truly “safe” level of drinking—it’s all about moderation. The impact of alcohol can add up over time, causing health problems even if you’re not drinking heavily in one sitting.

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Many people enjoy drinking at social events or to relax. However, it’s important to be aware of how much and how often you drink.

BAC, or Blood Alcohol Concentration, is a standard way of measuring alcohol. This metric shows how much alcohol is circulating in your blood. It helps us see how alcohol can affect behavior.

However, it’s important to know that these effects can vary greatly between people. So, while BAC gives a few critical details, each person’s reaction may be distinct.

Here’s a summary of the effects of alcohol on the body based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC):

BAC Range Effects on the Body Other Things to Note
Up to 0.05%
– Relaxed, talkative, more confident.
– Often considered a low level of intoxication.
0.05–0.08%
– Impaired judgment – Reduced inhibitions
– Start of noticeable impairment, especially in decision-making and motor skills.
0.08–0.15%
– Risky state, greater impairment of judgment and coordination.
– Higher risk of accidents and poor decision-making.
0.08% or Higher
– Legally impaired, risk of DUI arrest if driving.
– BAC of 0.08% is the legal limit for driving in many places.
Processing Rate
– The body processes one standard drink per hour, typically raising BAC by 0.01–0.03%.
– It takes approximately one hour for BAC to return to 0.00 after one standard drink.

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Structure & Function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)

How Does Alcohol Affect the Central Nervous System?

The body has several systems that work together. For example, nerves run throughout the body.

Cells help protect us from harmful substances. A neurotransmitter experts call gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA for short, is an essential component of these networks. GABA collaborates with another neurotransmitter, glutamate, to let various body regions communicate with one another.

GABA’s main role as a neurotransmitter is to help regulate the nervous system. It aids in controlling balance, movement, thinking, attention, and how sensory organs work.

There is a serious concern with GABA and alcohol. Research shows that drinking alcohol can sometimes reduce the production of this important neurotransmitter. This can lead to both short-term and long-term issues. 

There are several phases of intoxication and how alcohol affects the CNS:

Stage BAC Range Effects and Symptoms
Subliminal Intoxication
0.01–0.05
You may not seem drunk, but your reaction time, judgment, and behavior might be slightly off. Most people reach this stage after one drink, depending on their weight.
Euphoria
0.03–0.12
You feel relaxed, confident, and “tipsy” as dopamine is released in your brain. However, your reasoning and memory may be slightly impaired.
Excitement
0.08–0.25
You’re legally intoxicated at this point. Vision, speech, hearing, and motor skills are impaired due to the impact on various parts of the brain, such as the occipital, temporal, and frontal lobes.
Confusion
0.18–0.30
Disorientation, coordination problems, and blackouts are common. The hippocampus, responsible for memory, is affected, leading to short-term memory loss. A higher pain threshold increases injury risk.
Stupor
0.25
Severe impairment of mental, physical, and sensory functions. Alcohol poisoning is a concern, and passing out, suffocation, or injury is possible.
Coma
0.35
Risk of coma due to slowed respiration, circulation, and motor functions. Reflexes are compromised.
Death
0.45
Alcohol poisoning may cause death, as the brain loses the ability to control vital functions like breathing and circulation.

What Is the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The CNS is divided into two parts: the brain and spinal cord. The brain plays a key role in how a person forms ideas. It helps us process knowledge and make movements. It also influences how we experience sensations.

The spinal cord is like a transport system connecting the brain to the rest of your body through the nerves. It is like that targeted system that makes everything and everyone fit together to make everything work.

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Slurred Speech, Impaired Judgment, Memory Loss, & Loss of Coordination

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on The Central Nervous System?

Alcohol affects the human body in different ways. These effects depend on age, gender, and how much and how often a person drinks. They also depend on how quickly someone drinks and if they have certain medical conditions. The short-term effects include: 

1. Slurred Speech

Studies have shown that ethanol in alcohol can mess with the way we speak. It affects our ability to control how we form words, produce sounds, and even breathe while talking. Essentially, alcohol impacts the fine motor control needed for certain sounds—especially consonants like “p,” “f,” and “ch.”

In short, when you drink, your brain has a hard time coordinating the muscles for speech. This is why people often slur their words or sound unclear.

2. Impaired Judgment

Alcohol messes with your brain’s ability to think things through, especially the frontal lobe. When that part is impaired, you can find yourself swinging between wild highs and sudden crashes of sadness or anger. The frontal lobe also struggles to assess the pros and cons of a situation, making it hard to choose wisely.

Additionally, it struggles to control impulses. This is why you might act in ways that are not typical for you, such as having unprotected sex or driving while drunk. Basically, the part of your brain that helps you control yourself gets overwhelmed by the decision-making part. This is when things can go wrong very fast.

3. Memory Loss

Alcohol can cause blackouts. It is when you wake up and can’t recall what happened the night before.

Alcohol interferes with the brain’s ability to move memories from short-term storage to long-term storage. That process (known as memory consolidation) depends on the efficiency of the part of the brain called the hippocampus.

When you drink too much, the hippocampus stops working effectively. making it difficult to recall recent events. So you can find yourself unable to recall what you did only hours ago.

4. Loss Of Coordination

Alcohol also affects the cerebellum, a brain region involved in balance and movement control. When alcohol enters your bloodstream and reaches the brain, it disrupts how brain cells work together. This is especially true in areas that control motor skills.

This disturbance reduces your reaction time, diminishes muscular control, and impairs your brain’s capacity to absorb information efficiently. As a result, you might feel shaky and move clumsily. You may also have trouble with simple actions that need coordination, like walking in a straight line or staying balanced.

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Brain Damage, Memory Problems, Cognitive Impairment, & Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on The Central Nervous System?

Over 200 diseases and conditions are reported to result from alcohol consumption. It can lead to problems like addiction, tolerance, and alcohol poisoning. It may also cause liver cirrhosis and various cancers. Additionally, it can result in many accidents, such as car crashes, falls, burns, violence, and drowning.

Every year, about 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes in the United States. This makes it the third leading preventable cause of death. Long-term heavy alcohol use can result in different health problems, including:

1. Brain Damage

If you consume more than this recommended amount, the effects will start to show on your brain over time. This means that using too much alcohol for a long time can harm memory and thinking skills.

The longer and the more you indulge in heavy drinking, the worse the condition tends to become. This is called alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) or alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI).

Some people with ARBI may notice a small decline in memory and thinking skills. Experts refer to this as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the longer you keep using alcohol this way, the more likely those problems will get worse.

2. Memory Problems

For others, the impacts are somewhat more severe. Alcohol-related dementia, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), can cause serious memory and thinking problems. These issues can disrupt daily life.

It’s similar to the challenges faced by people with dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease. If you notice problems with your memory or feel your thinking isn’t as sharp, pay attention to your drinking. Your brain can only handle so much before it shows signs of wear.

3. Cognitive Impairment

Drinking too much over a long time can lead to severe problems with your thinking and memory. It mainly affects decision-making, memory, and how you see and move in space. These areas of the brain need different regions to work together.

These cognitive issues make daily life harder. They also make it tougher to manage treatment.

Additionally, they can affect your chances of staying sober over time. The more damage done, the harder it is to turn things around.

4. Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders

People drink for various reasons: to rejoice, unwind with friends or family, or feel calm. Especially at such precise times, one thinks that the alcohol will help them to relax, become bolder, or find courage.

But the truth is, its effects are always temporary. After the high, we often feel worse. This happens because our body and mind go through withdrawal. We may feel tired, anxious, or just unhappy overall.

You might find yourself reaching for a drink when stress, anxiety, or depression become too much to handle. In those moments, alcohol can feel like the only way to cope with the weight of it all. But over time, that cycle can spiral.

Alcohol doesn’t just numb the harsh feelings—it can make them worse. Alcohol is a depressant. It can dull emotional pain for a short time. However, when the effects wear off, feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability can return even stronger.

Deciding to cut back or quit altogether may seem daunting, but it is doable if dealt with gently. It’s better to slowly reduce your habit. It’s also fine to ask for help. You can talk to a friend, find online resources, or join a rehab or support group.

Every single step you take has an enormous impact on your emotional and physical well-being. If alcohol has helped you cope, understand that you are not alone. Many individuals may relate to your situation, and resources are available to assist you in implementing change. The goal is to find a support system that resonates with you.

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Delirium Tremens, Seizures, Hallucinations, & Mood Disorders

What Are the Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal on The Central Nervous System?

When a person with alcohol addiction stops drinking, their central nervous system may become more sensitive. This can lead to strong withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be life-threatening and may require specialized medical care.

1. Delirium Tremens

Delirium tremens, or DTs, is a serious and short-term condition. It usually affects people who depend heavily on alcohol and suddenly stop drinking. It leads to confusion and disorientation.

It can also cause severe visual hallucinations. There is a risk of seizures and other nervous system issues.

DTs affect less than 5% of people who quit alcohol. However, they are severe and can be life-threatening. The death rate can be as high as 10%.

DT symptoms vary, but some are more commonly recognized than others. They include:

  • Tremors or shakes.
  • Confusion.
  • Agitation or anxiety.
  • Psychosis symptoms.
  • Sensory disruptions and disorientation.
  • Heavy sweating (diaphoresis).
  • Seizures.
  • High body temperature (hyperthermia).
  • Headaches.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Fast heart rate (tachycardia).

2. Seizures

When heavy drinkers stop or greatly reduce their alcohol use, seizures often begin before withdrawal symptoms lead to DTs. Seizures can be severe, even fatal if they proceed to status epilepticus.

3. Hallucinations

When you stop drinking alcohol, you may have some symptoms. These can include seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t real. These are called hallucinations. This can be a terrifying process and will lead to an increase in the level of anxiety or an attack of panic.

4. Anxiety and Depression

If you are having a hard time with alcohol withdrawal, you may also feel anxious. You might experience sadness and even strong symptoms of depression. Alcohol disrupts how your brain normally works. The midbrain areas that control mood are the most affected.

Over time, your body adjusts to alcohol. When you stop drinking, everything feels out of balance. This disruption can amplify your anxiety and feelings of despair more than it used to or even make them worse.

You need to know that these mood swings are real. They come from how alcohol affects your brain. The withdrawal process is both physical and emotional.

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Protecting Yourself

How Can You Protect Your Central Nervous System from Alcohol?

The best way to avoid serious health problems from alcohol is not to drink it at all. If you drink alcohol, quitting can be very hard, whether or not you have a drinking problem. It is especially tough if you try to do it alone.

The good news is that the team at Rolling Hills Recovery Center is here to help. They are ready to assist anyone who wants to overcome alcoholism.

We help patients who struggle with alcoholism and substance use disorders. We also support those with mental health issues like insomnia, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Here are some important steps to protect your central nervous system from the harmful effects of alcohol:

  • Moderate Drinking: There are tips on how to avoid health risks when drinking alcohol. It is important to follow the definition of moderate drinking. This is usually described as being unable to take more than one drink per day for women and two a day for men. 
  • Practice Healthy Habits: Besides maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, reducing stress levels can also benefit overall brain function.
  • Educate Yourself: Learning about the dangers of drinking alcohol and its effects on the central nervous system can help prevent overindulgence.
  • Seek Professional Help: If you struggle with controlling alcohol intake, consider seeking help from a healthcare professional. At Rolling Hills Recovery Center, we understand the challenges people face when coming off alcohol and believe in the transformative power of compassionate care and evidence-based treatment to support those managing alcohol use disorder (AUD).
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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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