'Drunk in Love' Feeling Confirmed by Science; Being in Love & Being Drunk Has Same Brain Effects

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The "love" hormone oxytocin has similar brain effects as being drunk with alcohol, a new study has found.

The new study published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews compared the similarities of human behavioral reactions when exposed to oxytocin and the effects of alcohol.

"We thought it was an area worth exploring, so we pooled existing research into the effects of both oxytocin and alcohol and were struck by the incredible similarities between the two compounds," Dr. Ian Mitchell, from the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham, told Eureka Alert.

Dr. Mitchell added: "They appear to target different receptors within the brain, but cause common actions on GABA transmission in the prefrontal cortex and the limbic structures."

"These neural circuits control how we perceive stress or anxiety, especially in social situations such as interviews, or perhaps even plucking up the courage to ask somebody on a date. Taking compounds such as oxytocin and alcohol can make these situations seem less daunting," Dr. Mitchell explained.

Oxytocin is a substance secreted by the pituitary gland. It is commonly known for its many other names i.e. hug hormone, bliss hormone, cuddle chemical and many more, according to Medical News Today.

Scientists say oxytocin helps modulate behaviors, reactions and social reactions to romantic partners, and it is considered to take part in childbirth and maternal bonding.

According to Medical Daily, the hormone is released during physical contact and may be the reason why being close to another person can feel good.

Oxytocin is also involved during childbirth and breastfeeding.

Meanwhile, alcohol is organically made of brewed malted barley, hops, yeast, and water, according to Beer Academy.

People drink to overcome anxieties, fears and nerves especially during social situations.

"Taking compounds such as oxytocin and alcohol can make these situations seem less daunting," Dr. Mitchell said.

"The idea of 'Dutch courage' - having a drink to overcome nerves - is used to battle those immediate obstacles of fear and anxiety. Oxytocin appears to mirror these effects in the lab," Dr. Steven Gillespie said in a press release.

Even though there is merit given to oxytocin in having a similar behavioral effect to alcohol such as boosting courage and so on, it can also cause trouble.

Researchers say both oxytocin and alcohol can contribute to people becoming more aggressive, displaying decreased inhibitions, and having a skewed sense of fear that may lead to taking impulsive risks.

"I don't think we'll see a time when oxytocin is used socially as an alternative to alcohol. But it is a fascinating neurochemical and, away from matters of the heart, has a possible use in treatment of psychological and psychiatric conditions," said Dr. Gillespie.

"Understanding exactly how it suppresses certain modes of action and alters our behaviour could provide real benefits for a lot of people. Hopefully this research might shed some new light on it and open up avenues we hadn't yet considered," he added.