Alcohol affects the following brain structures:
The frontal lobes - this part of the brain control cognition, memory, thought, and judgment. Alcohol impairs nearly all of these functions by inhibiting their effects.
The hippocampus is responsible for memory formation and storage. Therefore, memory loss is caused by alcohol's effect on the hippocampus.
The cerebellum is the brain's center of movement and balance—this is the reason why people lose their balance and move uncoordinatedly.
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland - these parts coordinate hormone release and automatic brain functions.
The medulla oblongata functions as your body's power panel. This small section of your brainstem regulates basic vital life functions like body temperature, breathing, consciousness, and heart rate. The depressant effects of alcohol on the medulla are frequently responsible for the life-threatening signs of overdose: immensely slowed breathing (also known as respiratory depression by medical professionals) and a slowed heartbeat.