Originally posted on https://www.serenityhousedetox.com/detox-blog/alcohol-and-the-brain/

Alcohol is consumed by millions of Americans every year and is not dangerous when used in moderation. National data suggests that nearly 3.35 billion cases of beer, wine, and spirits are consumed annually in the U.S and that consumption isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With this in mind, there is a direct correlation between alcohol and the brain.

Accelerated and frequent alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of impacts on the human brain and even some physical problems later on. Alcohol is an addictive substance and can lead to significant dependency and serve addiction. “Alcoholism” is considered a widespread disease in the United States due to both the physical and mental determinants of abuse. Many who experience this need an alcohol detox center in Ft Lauderdale.

Safe alcohol consumption is easy to spot and differentiate from frequent and problematic drinking. But alcoholics may not fully comprehend the significant impacts on their brain. Additionally, teenage drinkers can experience a variety of cognitive impairments from frequent alcohol use.

Alcohol and the Brain: How They Affect One Another

Alcohol damages the brain of frequent drinkers regardless if they are alcohol or a teenager starting to experiment with drinking. Using it impairs dopamine centers of the brain, which initiate feelings of euphoria or pleasure Additionally, general and frequent alcohol may impair cognitive function including memory, decision making, and concentration.

Alcoholics that drink heavily are likely to experience significant cognitive impairment. This is who alcohol affects the brain:

• Inability to think abstractly or creatively
• Memory loss
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), a neurological disorder that can lead to confusion, exaggerated recall, and vision impairment
• Significant cognitive impairment such as difficulty concentrating

But alcoholics aren’t the only ones that experience potential brain issues when using alcohol. Younger drinkers such as teenagers can delay crucial brain and cognitive development. A few impacts of alcohol on the brain for teenagers include damaged motor skills, lifelong brain damage, memory loss, and even a 15x greater chance of developing a dependency.

How Can You Spot Problematic Drinking and Identify Alcoholism?

Some of the telltale signs of problematic drinking and alcoholism include chronic and frequent drinking, constant need to drink, mood swings, and irritability when sober. But problematic drinking can sometimes be hidden by the alcoholic.

A good list to reference if you believe you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse includes:

1. Alcohol use during dangerous situations such as driving or operating heavy machinery
2. Legal issues or disturbances when using alcohol
3. Continued alcohol use after relationship issues due to frequent drinking
4. Using alcohol as a coping mechanism to destress
5. Withdrawals during infrequent sobriety such as anxiousness, nausea, shaking hands, depression, and irritability

Even if someone you know doesn’t use alcohol everyday they could be drinking in other unstable and unhealthy ways. When you notice several of these signs then is a good time to find an alcohol detox center like Serenity Detox in Fort Lauderdale.

Receive Alcoholism Treatment and Rehab at Serenity House

Alcoholism rehab and treatment is a long road for anyone that needs or wants help getting sober for a long-term period. The good news for patients is that local rehab and substance abuse professionals can provide holistic treatment that addresses any cognitive issues from frequent alcohol use.

If you or a loved one wants to learn more about alcohol treatment options, please call Serenity House Detox at 866.294.5306. We’ll walk you through how alcohol and the brain affect one another and put you on the best form of treatment.