What is a major effect of alcohol on the nervous system?

Alcohol is known for its depressant effects on the central nervous system. When consumed, it interferes with the normal functioning of neurotransmitters, particularly by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This leads to a decrease in neuronal excitability, resulting in slowed brain activity.

As a consequence, various functions of the nervous system are impaired, including reaction time, motor coordination, and judgment. This slowing effect can lead to a range of responses from mild drowsiness to significant impairment and loss of motor control. The primary reason that slowing down the function of the nervous system is a major effect of alcohol is because its primary action is to reduce the overall activity in the brain and nervous system pathways, contrasting sharply with stimulants that would increase alertness or enhance communication between neurons.