Alcohol And The Nervous Sytem - Transformations Treatment Center. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that over 85 percent of people of legal drinking age have consumed alcohol[i] at least occasionally. Unfortunately, social acceptance of this form of substance use can lead to significant issues when it comes to the potentially damaging impact of alcohol intake. All people who drink undergo some baseline changes in the short-term function of their nervous systems. In addition, people who drink heavily can experience serious or severe changes in their nervous system health. What Is the Nervous System? The term nervous system refers to the interconnected network of nerve cells that provide the body with its most basic physical and mental functions. Neurons and neurotransmitters have an interactive relationship.
The central nervous system interfaces with a second network called the peripheral nervous system and includes all other nerves in the body. Alcohol’s Core Effects Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant.