also altered, leading to changes in tonic current in the postsynaptic neuron. The pattern of chronic EtOH effects on GABAergic transmission varies considerably across brain regions, making this subject a rich and important area for future investigation. The resultant alterations in patterns of GABAergic transmission in key brain regions may contribute to EtOH tolerance, dependence and drug intake. More work is needed to determine the exact pattern of changes in GABAergic inhibition across brain regions, and how these changes contribute to aspects of alcohol use disorders including tolerance, dependence, and escalating intake.
