Chapter 24, Problem 14TE

Why do heavy drinkers have greater tolerance for alcohol?

To determine

The reason of great tolerance for alcohol by heavy drinkers.

Answer to Problem 14TE

Due to regular use of alcohol, body creates more depressant sites for natural dopamine and epinephrine neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitters bind with receptor sites and start nerve impulse which increases tolerance for alcohol.

Explanation of Solution

When the body exposed to the regular use of alcohol, the nervous system gets weak. The stress neuron gets more active which is also known as stimulation. Due to activated stress neurons, nerve impulse releases more neurotransmitters in synaptic clefts and hence the body creates more depressant receptor-site to bind with neurotransmitters to inhibit nerve impulse.

As receptor-sites bind with neurotransmitters, the body wants to keep the same stimulation and therefore person increases the dose of alcohol which creates even more depressant receptor-sites. The natural neurotransmitters of body are insufficient to bind all the receptor sites which change the bodily responses.

Conclusion:

Therefore, due to regular use of alcohol, body creates more depressant sites for natural dopamine and epinephrine neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitters bind with receptor sites and start nerve impulse which increases tolerance for alcohol.