Chemically speaking (C2H5OH?) I think it has more to do with the GABA in the brain that alcohol interacts with. I don't know why something is called an agonist - it sounds painful - when it supports the role of something like a neurotransmitter. Alcohol is not the only GABA agonist. They don't all work in different ways. I think baclofen is another GABA agonist that is prescribed for anxiety, an see what Wikipedia has to say about it?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baclofen
Quote:
Baclofen (brand names Kemstro, Lioresal, and Gablofen) is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is primarily used to treat spasticity and is under investigation for the treatment of alcoholism.
It is an agonist for the GABAB receptors.[1][2] Its beneficial effects in spasticity result from actions at spinal and supraspinal sites. Baclofen can also be used to treat hiccups, and has been shown to prevent rises in body temperature induced by the drug MDMA in rats.[3]
In addition, research has shown baclofen to be effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence and withdrawal, by inhibiting both withdrawal symptoms and cravings.[4]
A very beneficial property of baclofen is that tolerance does not seem to occur to any significant degree — baclofen retains its therapeutic anti-spasmodic effects even after many years of continued use.[5] However, oral dosage must be carefully regulated; significantly high doses of the drug, particularly 80 milligrams per day or higher, can cause excessive drowsiness that can interfere with daily function.[citation needed]
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It inhibits cravings for alcohol, even ....