How Natural Cortisol Impacts Your Body

9. Role in Alcohol Dependence

Some people have an extremely difficult time stopping excessive alcohol consumption, especially when dealing with certain environmental factors. While there is evidence that stress leads to increased drinking in some, there are still questions about how. Imaging studies of human brains corroborated animal studies that shed light on the neurobiology of alcohol use disorders. They showed that high cortisol levels reinforce the dopaminergic effect of alcohol, and in an effort to continue feeling good, drinkers to seek out more alcohol.