Chemical Basis of Alcoholism

“Whatever causes a problem is a problem.” —Father Joseph Martin

Why do some people become dependent on alcohol? I believe the THIQ theory offers an explanation.

When a person (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) drinks, the body initially converts the alcohol to acetaldehyde. The acetaldehyde is in turn converted to acetic acid (vinegar) and after a few more conversions is expelled by the kidneys and lungs as urine and carbon dioxide.

In the alcoholic, however, something additional takes place that does not occur in the “social” drinker. A small amount of acetaldehyde is not expelled but goes to the brain and, by a biochemical process, manufactures tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ). This highly addictive substance resides in the brain waiting for the next drink.

Animal studies using THIQ were performed during World War II to find a chemical less addicting than morphine. These experiments were shelved when it was found that THIQ was more addicting than morphine.

Pathway of alcohol in our system, 1 through 4. In the alcoholic, steps 5 and 6 also take place.

 

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