Alcohol and the Brain: An Overview National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA
Alcohol’s impact on memory and consciousness is based on its effect on the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory and learning. Loss of coordination (ataxia) is a common short-term effect of alcohol and is linked to how alcohol affects the brain’s cerebellum. The cerebellum is the brain’s control center for movement, balance, and coordination. For example, a usually shy and quiet person may become increasingly chatty, socially confident, and outgoing when drinking alcohol. Lowered inhibitions can also lead to poor decision-making and increase the risk of engaging in risky behaviors.
How Does Alcohol Affect Brain Development?
Brain Fog: Effects and Possible Causes – Verywell Mind
Brain Fog: Effects and Possible Causes.
Posted: Tue, 08 Nov 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. If you’re a professional working with people with the condition, download our Quick Guide for Professionals.
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When someone drinks alcohol for a prolonged period of time and then stops, the body reacts to its absence. This is alcohol withdrawal, and it causes uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. Brain fog isn’t alcohol withdrawal brain fog actually a medical condition, but rather a term used to describe the feeling of being mentally sluggish and fuzzy. Brain fog is one of the many consequences caused by excessive alcohol and substance abuse.
Dehydration and Inflammation
Feeling mentally drained happens to everyone from time to time, especially when experiencing sleeping difficulties. But brain fog is not the same as fatigue or lethargy, although they often go hand in hand or co-occur with symptoms of other conditions. Brain fog can be hard to define since it is not a medical term or diagnosis.
- There are several popular apps for a brain workout, including Fit Brain, which features exercises that target emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
- Dr. Anand stresses the importance of drinking in moderation, if at all.
- Harvard Health also recommends keeping the brain active by always learning which can be anything from daily puzzles to taking up a short college course.
- According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, people who get treated for their alcohol problems have no further mental or physical symptoms one year later.
- See a doctor if your brain fog persists with other cognitive symptoms.
- Use our directories tool right now to get started on your journey towards recovery.
Life After Addiction
For most of us, brain fog is related to lifestyle or temporary stressors. This complication of long-term heavy drinking causes scarring of the liver. Scar tissue impairs the liver’s ability to create proteins, filter the blood, and other bodily functions. Short-term effects of alcohol include diminished memory and slurred speech. Alcohol-related brain impairment (ARBI) is long-term brain damage that kills brain cells and impairs memory.