Alcohol Essentials: Tolerance

This course explores the science behind alcohol tolerance, focusing on alcohol metabolism, its biochemical effects on the brain, and the mechanisms that lead to different types of tolerance. Students will examine the roles of key enzymes, neurotransmitter interactions, and the impact of long-term alcohol exposure on brain function. The course also covers the Mellanby effect and its implications for impairment and intoxication perception. Through discussions on pharmacodynamic, metabolic, and behavioral tolerance, students will gain a deeper understanding of how the body and brain adapt to alcohol consumption.

The course integrates research findings on alcohol tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and impaired motor function, particularly in relation to driving and decision-making. Students will analyze scientific studies on acute tolerance and its effects on behavior, as well as how chronic alcohol use shifts neurological homeostasis. This course is ideal for those interested in forensic science, law enforcement, pharmacology, or public health.