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Alcohol is a depressant, and it is used more than any other psychoactive drug other than caffeine.

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Alcohol is generally produced by fermenting grain or fruit.

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Although alcohol is classified as a depressant, many people believe that in small doses, alcohol acts as a stimulant.

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In small doses, alcohol does reduce normal inhibitions and allow behaviors, aggressive or sexual, to be exhibited.

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In moderate doses, it often produces mild euphoria or relaxation,

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Alcohol has many impacts in the brain. Its primary effect is to increase the binding of the neurotransmitter GABA.

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GABA is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and by causing this neurotransmitter to bind more

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it is the principal way that alcohol acts as a depressant

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One of the regions of the brain affected is the forebrain, which is where alcohol can impact judgement and concentration.

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Another way alcohol impacts the brain is to reduce the binding of the neurotransmitter Glutamate, particularly in the hippocampus.

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It is probably this effect on the brain that is most important in impacting memory.