[Neurobiological bases of alcohol addiction]

Abstract

Alcohol interacts with numerous neurotransmission systems and particularly glutamatergic NMDA receptors and gabaergic GABA_A receptors. Binge drinking induces both cerebral damages and cognitive deficits. Alcohol addiction is associated with an increase in the activation threshold of dopaminegic neurons and with a negative emotional state. Alcohol addiction is associated with a deficit in inhibitory control and an increase in motivation to drink alcohol. Environemental cues associated with alcohol trigger drinking desire and can induce relapse. Alcohol disturbs synaptic plasticity phenomena within the brain reward system.