In alcohol use disorder, which neurotransmitter is inhibited leading to reduced excitation?

In alcohol use disorder, the primary neurotransmitter affected is glutamate, which plays a crucial role in excitatory signaling in the brain. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, and its consumption leads to the inhibition of glutamate's function. This inhibition results in decreased excitatory neurotransmission, contributing to the sedative effects associated with alcohol use and intoxication.

Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to adaptations in the brain's neurochemistry, including a decrease in glutamate activity. When alcohol is removed suddenly after prolonged use, the reduced level of excitation due to glutamate inhibition can result in symptoms of withdrawal, characterized by increased excitability in the nervous system.

Understanding the role of glutamate in alcohol use disorder is vital, as it highlights the neurobiological underpinnings of both the effects of alcohol and the withdrawal phenomena experienced by individuals with alcohol dependency. This underscores the importance of addressing excitatory neurotransmitter systems in treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder.