Ethanol (Ethyl alcohol) (EtOH)

Ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, is a clear, colorless, and volatile liquid that serves as the primary psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic beverages and is widely utilized as a solvent and antiseptic. Pharmacologically, it is a potent central nervous system (CNS) depressant that exerts its effects by modulating several neurotransmitter systems, most notably through the potentiation of inhibitory GABA-A receptors and the antagonism of excitatory NMDA receptors. Acute intake leads to sedation, impaired coordination, and euphoria, whereas chronic exposure induces neuroadaptive changes that underlie tolerance, physical dependence, and alcohol use disorder. Beyond its neurological impact, ethanol is metabolized by enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase into acetaldehyde, a toxic and carcinogenic intermediate that contributes to multi-organ damage, including alcoholic liver disease and various cancers. Therapeutic strategies for managing its effects focus on interfering with its metabolic pathway or modulating the brain's reward circuitry to reduce craving and withdrawal.

Other names

Ethyl alcoholAlcoholEtOHGrain alcoholDrinking alcoholEthylic alcohol

Ethanol acts primarily as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor, which enhances inhibitory signaling, and as an antagonist of NMDA glutamate receptors, which suppresses excitatory neurotransmission. It also triggers the release of dopamine and endogenous opioids in the mesolimbic reward pathway, particularly within the nucleus accumbens, reinforcing its addictive potential. Additionally, ethanol interacts with various other proteins including serotonin receptors, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and metabolic enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).