Why does alcohol make some people the life of the party and others dull?

Alcohol's differing effects on individuals, making some lively and others subdued, can be attributed to several factors. According to Andrew Huberman, alcohol crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects various brain areas indiscriminately. It primarily impacts the prefrontal cortex, which controls impulse behavior and decision-making. When this area is suppressed, people often exhibit more impulsive behaviors, such as talking louder or being more social, thereby becoming the "life of the party." For others, alcohol consumption might not suppress these areas as much or might affect them differently, leading to more subdued behavior 1.

Moreover, genetic predisposition plays a role. Individuals who have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism or are regular drinkers may experience prolonged feelings of alertness and euphoria as opposed to occasional drinkers, who may feel these effects briefly before becoming tired or losing motor skills 2. This innate difference in how alcohol is metabolized and interacts with the brain's chemistry can significantly influence whether a person becomes more outgoing or withdrawn after drinking.