Although we now know much more about the influence of alcohol on the central nervous system, the mechanisms of action remain under discussion. One of the main problems is related to the fact that alcohol influences more than one neurochemical system of the brain. These influences are different if the quantity of alcohol consumed is large or small. In some cases, this leads to contrasting effects (toxicity versus withdrawal syndrome). Chronic alcohol exposure may lead to changes in many significant brain functions. In addition, psychological factors and mechanisms are in constant interaction with the biological background, the genetic influence and the sociocultural environment, creating new clinical results and various study areas.
