The amygdala and associated limbic structures such as the bed nucleus of the stria termialis (BNST) that make up the extended amygdala, is a critical component of the brain’s fear and stress system, and as such is a presumptive site of action for the anxiolytic actions of low levels of alcohol, as well as being involved in the neuroadaptation that takes place during the stage of negative reinforcement in the process of alcohol addiction.
