What is a common effect of alcohol on neurotransmitter receptors?

The common effect of alcohol on neurotransmitter receptors is that it enhances the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitters. Specifically, alcohol primarily increases the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. By doing this, alcohol promotes a calming effect on the brain and nervous system, leading to reduced anxiety and a sense of relaxation.

This enhancement does not inhibit receptors for inhibitory neurotransmitters; rather, it does the opposite by augmenting their effects. Alcohol does also influence excitatory neurotransmitter systems, but the predominant and well-known mechanism is through its action on GABA receptors, contributing to its overall depressant effects on the central nervous system.

While alcohol can lead to receptor desensitization with chronic use or impact excitatory receptor activity over time, the immediate and acute effects are most closely associated with its enhancement of GABAergic activity, making the notion of inhibiting receptors incorrect in this context.