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Also after a bit of digging it seems that benzos actually don't directly bind to the synaptic cleft but to the back meaning they don't actually open any chloride channels. Instead they bind to an inactive site that just increases the sensitivity of the synapse. In this case you can imagine the synapse like a sheet of metal. It is magnetic to the GABA neurotransmitter. The benzo is like sticking a magnet behind that sheet of metal so it becomes a lot more magnetic. I've always wondered why benzodiazepine overdoses are so rare and thats why. It still relies on the natural levels of GABA in the brain, which in most humans isn't actually enough to cause respiratory depression. Well Alcohol on the other hand DIRECTLY binds to the synaptic cleft but because it's such a small molecule doesn't have great affinity. Well if you're on benzos obviously the Etanol is way more attracted and thus way more potent.
Interesting stuff... I wonder what other drugs work in similar ways
