Drinking alcohol is often seen as a social activity, a way to relax after work, or a means to “have fun”. But this substance can have severe consequences on the brain, causing permanent damage.

In this article, we will explore how alcohol affects the brain, how this permanent damage happens, and the long-term consequences of alcohol consumption.

What Happens To The Brain When Alcohol Is Consumed?

When a person drinks alcohol, it is absorbed by the body and enters the bloodstream. From there, it travels to the brain and starts to interfere with the communication between the nerve cells, called neurons.

Alcohol selectively acts on the neurotransmitters that increase feelings of pleasure while depressing those responsible for inhibitions and decision-making.

The immediate effects of alcohol on the brain include:.

Slurred speech
Blurry vision
Impaired judgment
Impaired coordination
Mood swings

The Permanent Damage of Alcohol on the Brain

While the short-term effects of alcohol are temporary, the long-term effects can be permanent. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can result in brain damage, affecting both the structure and function of the brain.

The following are some of the ways alcohol damages the brain permanently:.

: Brain Shrinkage

Alcohol has been shown to cause brain shrinkage and loss of white matter, which is responsible for transmitting information between the neurons.

This can lead to a significant decrease in the overall size of the brain, particularly the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and coordination. This shrinkage can result in motor impairment, memory loss, and other cognitive difficulties.

: Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Alcohol interferes with the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Changes in neurotransmitter levels can cause mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Alcohol reduces the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.

As a result, the brain may not respond the same way to natural rewards like food, sex, or social interaction, leading to a craving for alcohol that can result in addiction.

: Brain Inflammation

Excessive alcohol use can cause inflammation in the brain. It triggers the immune system to produce cells that attack and damage healthy brain cells.

This inflammation also results in oxidative stress, damaging brain cells, and weakening the connections between neurons. The combination of inflammation and oxidative stress can result in the degeneration of nerve cells and, consequently, permanent damage of the brain.

: Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a severe neurological disorder resulting from a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency due to alcoholism.

The syndrome occurs in two stages; the first stage, Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, causes confusion and balance issues, vision problems, and involuntary eye movement. If left untreated, the patient may progress to the second stage, Korsakoff Syndrome, which results in permanent memory loss, damaged hope of acquiring new information, hallucinations, and confabulation.

: Alcohol-Related Dementia

Alcohol-related dementia is a cognitive impairment due to long-term alcohol abuse. Its symptoms include memory loss, difficulty in thinking and reasoning, and difficulty communicating.

These symptoms progressively worsen over time, reducing the person’s ability to function properly and perform daily activities. Unfortunately, alcohol-related dementia is irreversible even if the person stops drinking.

The Long-term Consequences of Alcohol Consumption

The long-term consequences of alcohol consumption go beyond just brain damage. Prolonged alcohol consumption can result in:.

Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
Liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis
Damage to the digestive system, including pancreatitis and stomach ulcers
Cancer, including breast, throat, liver, and colon cancers
Impaired immune function, making it more difficult to fight off disease

Conclusion

While alcohol consumption may provide temporary pleasure and relaxation, the permanent damage it has on the brain and the body is irreversible and can have long-term consequences.

Prolonged and excessive consuming of alcohol can result in irreversible brain damage, neurodegenerative disorders, and other health hazards. Therefore, it is important to drink in moderation and to recognize when alcohol consumption has become problematic.