How Alcohol Shrinks Your Brain
Alcohol consumption has been ingrained in society for millennia, present within many cultural traditions and acting as a common social lubricant. However, the negative health consequences of both regular and excessive intake are undeniable. In this post, we’re detailing the effect that alcohol has on the brain in the immediate, and across a prolonged period.
The Short Term
First, let’s explore what’s happening up there when we consume alcohol:
The alcohol quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier, affecting the function of neurons. It especially impacts the neurotransmitter GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, and the stimulative neurotransmitter glutamate.
This process slows down activity in the brain and causes what we refer to as intoxication: we may notice behaviors like slurred speech, reduced coordination, and impaired judgment.
The brain’s reward system is activated, triggering the release of dopamine which encourages us to want to continue drinking.
So what does this mean for us in the short term? Well, effects vary depending on the person and the amount consumed, but cognitive function can be significantly compromised. Our attention becomes weaker, as does our memory and decision-making ability which can lead to short-term memory loss and even risky behaviors that we wouldn’t otherwise pursue.
The Long Term
Continued alcohol consumption can cause structural changes within the brain, one of the most common being shrinkage of volume within the frontal lobes and cerebellum. These regions are critical for impulse control, motor skills, and decision-making.
The developing brains of younger people are at risk too, with adolescent drinkers having a higher risk of developing cognitive deficits and alcohol-based disorders later in life.
Cognitive decline
Perhaps unsurprisingly, a high intake of alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and accelerated cognitive decline in general.
In fact, there is a known condition called ARD, or alcohol-related dementia, which is characterized by confusion, disorientation and memory impairment.
Korsakoff’s syndrome is another associated disorder. It is caused by vitamin B1 deficiency due to alcohol-related malnutrition, and results in severe memory deficits and confabulation.
Mental health
Similar to other addictive behaviors such as smoking, many use drinking as a temporary coping mechanism for stressful or anxiety-inducing situations, or to deal with depression. But as with smoking, alcohol can exacerbate these issues over time. Mood disorders are often worsened by changes in brain chemistry which cause imbalances in neurotransmitters.
So despite alcohol’s prevalence in our society, its risks are serious and dramatic. It has wide-ranging impacts on our general health and the health of our brains. Taking steps to quit drinking or reduce your consumption of alcohol may be one of the most beneficial things you do for your brain.