What happens to the brain when people drink heavily and how quitting can reverse the damage.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
We all know what can happen when someone drinks too much alcohol.
Slurred speech, slow reflexes, and trouble walking straight, among other signs of intoxication.
These occur because alcohol disrupts chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which help cells communicate.
Very large amounts of alcohol can cause a blackout–a period of memory loss while drinking—by temporarily blocking the brain’s ability to form new memories.
Over the long-term, heavy drinking can do lasting harm to the brain.
One way is to damage the ends of neurons, or nerve cells, which decreases their ability to communicate.
Another possible effect is “brain shrinkage,” which leads to deficits in memory, attention, problem-solving, and self-control.
Eventually, heavy drinking may even result in Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
No matter how much or how long someone has been heavily drinking, it’s never too late to stop.
Quitting can reverse part of the damage caused by alcohol. Imaging studies show that lost brain volume begins to regenerate just two weeks after a person stops drinking.
As brain connections grow back, there should be noticeable improvements in memory and the ability to think clearly.
If you or someone you care about can’t stop drinking, help is available. Call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-H-E-L-P