Alterations in neurotransmitter function during the development of ethanol tolerance and dependence.

Current studies demonstrate that alcohol tolerance and alcohol dependence are neurochemically dissociable processes. Development of tolerance seems to be accompanied by changes in neuronal membrane structure which, in turn, affects the function of membrane-bound dopaminergic receptors. On the other hand, changes in cholinergic receptor number in certain brain areas may be responsible for certain signs of physical dependence during ethanol withdrawal.