Alcohol presses the brain's chemical brake pedal.

Your brain uses a chemical called GABA to calm you down when you get too stressed. It acts like a brake pedal. When alcohol enters the brain, it hooks onto the same spots that GABA uses. This tricks the brain into thinking there is a massive wave of calming chemicals. This is why your first drink makes you feel relaxed and less worried. Your brain cells stop firing so fast, and the background noise in your head quiets down. It is a physical slowdown that feels like a mental release.