24/08/2026
Serotonin (5-HT) and alcohol interact in brain circuits controlling reward, mood, stress, and impulse control, particularly the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens.
Low or disrupted serotonin signaling may increase vulnerability to alcohol use. Alcohol-preferring models show reduced 5-HT signaling and altered prefrontal 5-HT2A function, potentially weakening emotional regulation and behavioral control.
At the same time, chronic alcohol exposure further disrupts serotonergic signaling, affecting receptors such as 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT3. During withdrawal, these changes may contribute to anxiety, negative mood, craving, and relapse. And If you're really interested in reading and learning more, find link in the bio.
Reference: Zaniewska et al. (2026).