A study of the literature showed that the GABA system is an important target of ethanol in the central nervous system, in part as a consequence of damage in membrane-bound enzymes and receptors. A single dose of ethanol initially activates the GABA system which is weakened after chronic administration because of overcompensation. Interest is focused on the GABA receptors because of the involvement of the minor tranquilizer drugs, benzodiazepines. The studies on the GABA system (metabolism, local concentrations, receptors) show great promise in the understanding and treatment of ethanol dependence and withdrawal.
一项文献研究表明，γ-氨基丁酸（GABA）系统是乙醇在中枢神经系统中的一个重要靶点，部分原因是膜结合酶和受体受损。单次给予乙醇最初会激活GABA系统，但由于过度代偿，长期给药后该系统会被削弱。由于小剂量镇静药物苯二氮䓬类药物的参与，人们的兴趣集中在GABA受体上。关于GABA系统（代谢、局部浓度、受体）的研究在理解和治疗乙醇依赖及戒断方面显示出巨大的前景。
