Imagine that a friend has ingested a drug that prevents alcohol from binding to the GABA receptor and then joins up with you at a bar. Which of the following would you expect to happen to this person?
A) He or she would show no signs of sedation, even after 19 beers.
B) One beer puts him or her to sleep.
C) The pill makes alcohol taste bitter, causing him or her to vomit after one sip.
D) He or she finds alcohol more intoxicating.
E) This drug allows your friend to quit drinking.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alcohol's sedative effects are primarily mediated through its action on the GABA receptor, enhancing the receptor's inhibitory effects in the brain. If a drug prevents alcohol from binding to the GABA receptor, it would block these sedative effects, meaning that even after consuming a significant amount of alcohol, the expected sedation would not occur.

Imagine That a Friend Has Ingested a Drug That Prevents