Drinking is widely accepted and promoted in our culture. While most people can drink responsibly without adverse effects, millions of others struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), which can range from mild to severe. Current research indicates that the effects of drinking may be more dangerous than previously thought, particularly in how it impacts the brain.
If you struggle to control your alcohol use, the time to seek help is now. AUD is a progressive disease that worsens over time, making it more challenging to treat. Recovery Ranch PA offers medically supervised detox and alcohol rehab in Wrightsville. Our comprehensive approach to treatment fosters physical, mental, and spiritual healing. We have multiple levels of treatment to meet the various needs of clients. Call 717.969.9126 or contact us online to learn more about alcoholism and dementia. Let’s begin on your path to recovery today.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain?
Slurred speech, blurred vision, poor balance and coordination, and blackouts are all visible examples of how alcohol impacts the brain. These effects can begin after only a few drinks and go away once a person stops drinking. However, heavy or persistent alcohol abuse can cause brain deficits that persist long-term. Some of the factors that influence the effects of alcohol on the brain include:
- The age at which a person begins drinking
- How long a person has been drinking
- How often and how much a person drinks
- Age, gender, genetics, and family history
- Overall physical and mental health
Alcohol increases the production of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which inhibits brain activity and decreases glutamate, exciting the brain. This imbalance causes impaired motor skills, poor judgment, and slowed reaction times. Alcohol increases dopamine, contributing to feelings of pleasure and euphoria, but it is a depressant, so these feelings are short-lived.
Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism
Potential long-term effects of AUD can include:
- Brain shrinkage
- Cognitive decline
- Personality and mood changes
- Poor circulation to the brain
- Increased risk of hypertension and stroke
- Mental health issues
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
- Alcohol-induced dementia
Addressing AUD early with professional treatment can help lessen the long-term impacts for most people. Still, individuals with persistent severe AUD may experience irreversible effects.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is one of the most severe conditions directly linked to severe alcohol abuse. WKS is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine or vitamin B1 deficiency and consists of two distinct stages:
- Wernicke’s encephalopathy – This acute phase of WKS involves confusion, disorientation, poor coordination, and difficulty walking. Ophthalmoplegia, the paralysis or abnormal movements of the eye muscles, can also occur and needs immediate medical treatment.
- Korsakoff’s psychosis – This chronic phase involves severe memory impairment, including difficulty forming new memories and recalling old ones. Individuals may be unaware of their memory problems and fabricate stories to fill memory gaps.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is usually reversible if treated properly, but Korsakoff’s psychosis is often irreversible. Quitting drinking is crucial to preventing further damage.
Alcohol-Induced Dementia
Alcohol-induced dementia (AID) is a form of cognitive impairment directly caused by excessive and prolonged alcohol abuse. AID encompasses Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), and alcoholic dementia. Symptoms of AID include:
- Memory loss – Difficulty remembering recent conversations and events
- Poor coordination – Balance and motor control issues, including difficulty walking
- Confabulation – Making up stories to account for gaps in memory
- Impaired judgment – Trouble with decision-making and understanding the consequences of actions
- Challenges with language – Slurred speech and poor comprehension
- Emotional changes – Irritability, personality changes, and depression
- Apathy – A lack of motivation or interest and diminished emotional reactions
While AUD has not been identified as a cause of Alzheimer’s, it is clear to see how alcohol abuse can exacerbate Alzheimer’s symptoms and pathology. The progression of alcohol-induced dementia can be slowed and partially reversed with early interventions and abstinence from alcohol.
Contact Recovery Ranch PA for Alcohol Rehab
At Recovery Ranch PA, we understand how difficult it is for most people to acknowledge their struggles with alcohol use. We also know that recognizing the need for treatment can be life-saving. If you are ready to overcome AUD and regain control of your life, we are here to help. Contact us online or call 717.969.9126 to begin alcohol detox and rehab today.
