NMDA receptors are affected by alcohol abuse - they
become sensitized. NMDA receptors are stimulated by glutamate and can be adversely
affected by excess glutamate.
Alcohol can induce Vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin
B6 is used by the body to convert amino acids. Deficiency of this vitamin will
affect the body's ability to handle excess free glutamate.
Alcohol damages the liver. The liver is the major
center of the body where amino acids are converted. Taurine is made there.
Taurine is the major inhibitory amino acid that counters glutamate's excitatory role.