Alcohol’s effects on the brain and body help create a temporary feeling of relaxation, euphoria, and confidence. As the pleasurable “high” wears off, the body experiences a “crash”, often characterized by anxiety, fatigue, physical discomfort, and depression. The alcohol come down, also known as the “hangover”, happens due to its effects on the brain’s neurotransmitters, metabolism, and hydration levels.
Understanding the Alcohol High and Crash
Alcohol is known and widely misused for its temporary effects of euphoria, excitement, reduced inhibitions, and relaxing the mind. However, the crash after a day of heavy drinking can leave individuals feeling irritable, anxious, and physically unwell. The come down from alcohol happens due to alcohol’s interaction with the brain and body, often known as a next-day hangover.
The High: How Alcohol Affects the Brain and Body
When you drink alcohol, it enters the bloodstream and impacts the central nervous system (CNS). As alcohol interacts with the brain’s communication pathways, it can cause disruptions that alter mood, behaviors, and thought processes. The alcohol “high” occurs due to the release of dopamine, activation of GABA receptors, endorphin boost, and glutamate suppression.
Dopamine Release
Alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, the neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reinforcement, and pleasure. This dopamine release from alcohol consumption is what facilitates feelings of euphoria and relaxation, reinforcing the desire to continue drinking.
GABA Activation
Alcohol enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the neurotransmitter known for producing a calming effect. GABA slows brain activity, which helps reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear. Alcohol consumption enhances these feelings, contributing to alcohol’s sedative and euphoric effects.
Glutamate Suppression
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory transmitter responsible for cognitive function and brain development. Alcohol consumption inhibits glutamate, impairing motor skills, coordination, and cognitive function. Glutamate suppression from alcohol use contributes to the feeling of being “buzzed” after a few drinks.
Endorphin Boost
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers and mood boosters. Alcohol triggers the release of endorphins when drinking, which creates a temporary sense of euphoria. These combined side effects are associated with the “high” experienced when drinking alcohol, facilitating increased confidence, relaxation, mood boost, and reduced inhibitions.
The Crash: Why You Feel Terrible After Drinking
As the body processes and metabolizes alcohol, the temporary euphoria wears off, and the brain attempts to rebalance itself. This is when the “crash” comes, producing a host of negative aftereffects, including dopamine decline, rebound anxiety, dehydration, sleep disturbances, and blood sugar crash.
Dopamine Decline
As alcohol leaves the body, dopamine levels begin to drop along with blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This dopamine decline facilitates mood swings, irritability, and depression after excessive drinking. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, interfering with other neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Regular alcohol consumption can, over time, lead to disruptions in brain chemistry and the development of mental health disorders.
Rebound Anxiety (“Hangxiety”)
Many people experience mood fluctuations after a night of drinking, including severe anxiety, feelings of doom, and depression. Following heavy alcohol use, the body decreases GABA and increases glutamate receptors, which can send the central nervous system (CNS) into an unbalanced and overstimulated state. This side effect of alcohol withdrawal can cause restlessness, anxiety, panic attacks, and tremors, often referred to as “hangxiety”.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Ethanol (alcohol) is a diuretic, which increases excess loss of fluids through frequent urination. Alcohol inhibits the release of vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone that prevents the kidneys from conserving water, causing the body to increase urination.
This can lead to dehydration, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea after chronic alcohol exposure, further contributing to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance. Hangover symptoms of dehydration include weakness, thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness, and dryness of mucous membranes.
Blood Sugar Crash
Alcohol in the body can alter the liver’s and other organs’ metabolic state, affecting insulin regulation and blood sugar concentration. Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia following binge drinking can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, mood disturbances, and cravings.
Sleep Disruption
While alcohol may initially help with falling asleep, it disrupts rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Alcohol’s disruptive effects on restful sleep contribute to poor sleep quality, fatigue, and excessive exhaustion or grogginess the next day.
The Science Behind the Alcohol Hangover
The alcohol come down or “crash” is often referred to as a hangover, the body’s way of processing after drinking too much. An alcohol hangover is, on a small scale, like a mild manifestation of the alcohol withdrawal process. The direct effects of alcohol, such as dehydration, low blood sugar, and sleep disturbances, are some contributors to the alcohol hangover.
Other contributing factors of the alcohol crash include acetaldehyde toxicity, brain overstimulation, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Acetaldehyde Toxicity (Alcohol Metabolism)
When alcohol is metabolized, it is broken down into acetaldehyde which is then metabolized by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) into acetate. At higher concentrations, acetaldehyde causes toxic effects like sweating, rapid pulse, nausea, headaches, and vomiting.
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
As the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) attempts to readjust, the body may experience an overcompensation effect as its activity is increased. The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls the fight-or-flight response, including involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and breathing. This heightened SNS activity can lead to rapid heart rate, systolic blood pressure, pulse, tremors, and sweating.
Brain Overstimulation
As the brain tries to maintain balance, it adjusts to the positive effects experienced while drinking, which can have a negative impact as the alcohol wears off. With neurotransmitters attempting to restore balance, some individuals may experience paranoia, brain fog, decreased attention, and concentration when hungover.
Alcohol Detox Programs in Stuart, FL
While the alcohol high may feel great in the moment, the come down is a stark reminder of its adverse effects on the brain and body. If you frequently experience severe alcohol crashes, it may be worth reconsidering drinking habits to preserve long-term health and well-being.
Coastal Detox offers alcohol addiction treatment programs in South Florida for those struggling with heavy alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Don’t hesitate any longer if you or a loved one need treatment. Recovery is available, reach out today.
References:
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2022. Alcohol and the Brain: An Overview.
- Alcohol Health and Research World, 1997. Alcohol and Dopamine.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2022. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA).
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2021. Alcohol’s Effects on Health: Hangovers.
- Healthline, 2020. Why You Feel Depressed After Drinking and How to Handle It.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Effects on the Body.
- Alcohol Health and Research World, 1998. Alcohol Hangover.
- Mayo Clinic, 2024. Hangovers.