Alcohol Suppresses CNS function; Potentiates GABA effects which are calming effects. it Inhibits glutamate’s effects on NMDA Receptors which affect your learning & memory. It then causes an increase activity in the dopamine neurons in the mesolimbic reward pathway, as well as opioid cells that release endorphins. Both produce feelings of joy, pleasure, euphoria, depending on the type of activation.

 unpleasant effects  could include:

• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea
• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Breathing difficulties 
• Distorted vision and hearing 
• Impaired judgment 
• Decreased perception and coordination 
• Unconsciousness 
• Anaemia
• Coma

• Alcohol is Measured by units and not glasses One unit equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which is around the amount of alcohol the average adult can process in an hour. The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink, as well as its alcohol strength. Knowing your units will help you stay in control of your drinking.

• How do I know when I am starting to develop a problem?

Once you notice that you have a repeated alcohol consumption habit and alcoholism may begin each day with a drink, feel guilty about their drinking and have the desire to cut down on the amount of drinking. People may experience: blackout, dizziness, shakiness, craving, or sweating, aggression, agitation, compulsive and self-destructive behaviour, or lack of restraint, anxiety, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, or loneliness, nausea or vomiting, delirium or fear as well as physical substance dependence, problems with coordination, slurred speech, or tremor.

• What should I then do:

Seek a full evaluation by a healthcare professional.

There are many diagnostics tests available online that can help you self-evaluate your drinking, but none of them should substitute for professional medical advice.