Can drinking too much alcohol impair the nerve signals that control breathing?

Yes.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means that it slows down the function of the central nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord. The nerve signals that control breathing are sent from the brain to the muscles in the chest and abdomen. If these signals are impaired, breathing can become slow and shallow, or even stop altogether.

Alcohol can also affect the part of the brain that controls the gag reflex. This reflex helps to prevent choking by causing the body to vomit if something blocks the airway. If the gag reflex is impaired, there is a greater risk of choking on vomit.

In addition, alcohol can cause the muscles in the throat and tongue to relax, which can also lead to choking.

For all of these reasons, drinking too much alcohol can be very dangerous and can even lead to death.