Are we in some sort of an altered state whenever we get tipsy?!

Are we in some sort of an altered state whenever we get tipsy?

Yes. The term "altered state" generally indicates some kind of abnormal brain activity, and this is certainly the case when you drink. Alcohol increases the effect of a chemical in your brain known as GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). Neurotransmitters are substances that chemically connect the signals from one nerve to the next, allowing a signal to flow along a neural pathway. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which reduces this signal flow in the brain. By increasing the effect of GABA, alcohol depresses (slows down) both a person's mental and physical activities.

When you are intoxicated, you actually progress through a series of altered states. At first, when you get "tipsy," you simply feel relaxed, disinhibited, and maybe even euphoric (very happy and carefree). However, the depressant effects of alcohol quickly begin to kick in. It becomes harder to think logically or exercise appropriate judgment, reaction time slows down, and your short-term memory is impaired. These early psychological symptoms of intoxication are followed by physical symptoms, including impaired speech, balance, coordination, hearing, and vision. Feelings of euphoria pass and feelings of severe depression may take their place. All of these things get progressively worse, the drunker you get.

In answer to your question, alcohol certainly alters your mental state, and the more you drink, the further you will be from a normal, functioning state.