Biphasic Action of Alcohol: Stimulation(low BAC) then Sedation (high BAC)
Low doses stimulate “Spontaneous Motor Activity” (SMA) in rats during rising BAC
High doses give sedation and sleep
SMA stimulation occurs through elevating dopamine levels in ventral tegmental area of the brain (nucleus acumbens reward center)
These changes are correlated with the enhancement of the brain stimulation reward threshold