How Does Alcohol Affect Pain?: The Neuroscience of Short- and Long-Term Effects

Many people notice that alcohol seems to “take the edge off” their pain — but what’s really going on in the brain when that happens? And why does it sometimes backfire later?

This episode breaks down the neuroscience of how alcohol influences pain processing, both in the short term and over time.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

 ➡️ Why alcohol can temporarily calm the pain system and create a short-term pain-relieving effect.
 ➡️ The brain and nervous system mechanisms behind alcohol’s interaction with pain pathways.
 ➡️ The long-term consequences of using alcohol for pain relief, including how it can actually worsen sensitivity and pain over time.
 ➡️ Why alcohol is not a sustainable or effective strategy for managing chronic pain.

Whether you’ve wondered why your pain eases after a drink, or you’re curious about the science behind pain relief, this episode will give you clarity — without the myths or oversimplifications.


📌 Next Steps: If you’d like to get support and the step-by-step plan, let’s talk.

Book a free call to see if my proven 5-phase protocol is the right fit to help you repair your overactive pain pathways—without pills, procedures, endless therapies, or mind-over-matter wishful thinking ➡️ https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call