Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/447803
56 Once the alcohol hits the brain, it inhibits production of the energizing brain chemical glutamate, mimics the sedative neurotransmitter GABA, and prompts a surge in feel-good dopamine. That's why you feel calm and happy. But in excess, those drinks can impair sleep and fuel mental health issues even when you're not drinking. "Even a couple of drinks per night can influence neurotransmitters and potentially lead to anxiety and depression," says Ballinger. In the long run, the brain cells shrink, and areas that control executive function and visual-spatial memory atrophy. For instance, Castelo says, people who chronically misuse alcohol might have difficulty remembering recent events, or get lost while driving. M e a n w h i l e , o v e r d r i n k i n g ( e v e n binging on one occasion) can dull the body's immune system by decreasing the function of white blood cells and bacteria-fighting cytokines and cause the heart to beat irregularly. So, how much is too much? That depends on the person, says Ballinger. For instance, a woman with no genetic predisposition to alcoholism, who isn't on any other medication (which can enhance alcohol's negative effects), and started drinking later in life (rather than as a teenager when the brain is still developing and ripe for addiction), may be able to have nine drinks spread throughout the week and be just fine. For someone who has been drinking since the teen years and has alcoholic relatives, complete abstinence might be a better bet. The key is to take a hard look at how important alcohol has become in your life, says Ballinger. Is your work, school, or relationship being affected? Do you have to drink more to get the same effect? Do you continue to drink even if there have been negative consequences? If you've ever asked yourself if you're drinking too much, you probably are, Ballinger says. " E v e n a c o u p l e o f d r i n k s p e r n i g h t c a n i n f l u e n c e n e u r o t r a n s m i t t e r s a n d potentially lead to anxiety and depression."