Alcohol is found to interact with an inhibitory neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in ways that lead to decreased brain activity. High amounts of alcohol can change the brain’s levels of GABA to result in decreased attention, drowsiness, slurred speech, slower reaction time, and overall sluggishness. All these effects can lead to deficits in memory, attention, and learning, as well as accidents and dangerous situations.