Alcoholic Brain vs Normal Brain?

How Does Alcohol Affect Your Mental Health?
January 7, 2025

Alcohol changes the way the brain works. In fact, over time, these changes add up to make the brain of an alcoholic different from the brain of a non-alcoholic. Let’s explore some of the differences in basic terms.

The normal balance of the brain enables us to think, feel clearly, and act clearly. Alcohol tips that balance in a different direction, sometimes harming cells in the brain.

When cells get hurt, it affects a person’s memory, mood, and decisions. Reducing or quitting drinking keeps the brain healthy and strong.

How the Normal Brain Works

The brain works as the body’s command centre. It aids us in thought processes, feeling, memory, and making decisions; it allows movement and shows emotion. Within the normal brain:

  • Messages are transmitted smoothly across the brain cells.
  • It is in the brain that the balancing of chemicals influencing mood and energy is done.
  • Clear thinking, memory, and decision-making function as they should.

What Happens to an Alcoholic Brain?

When a person consumes a great amount of alcohol regularly, it starts affecting the way the brain functions. Alcohol may:

  • Change Brain Chemistry: Alcohol affects the chemical balance of the brain and can lead to mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
  • Damage to Brain Cells: Too much alcohol will damage the brain cells, and it will be hard for them to deliver their messages. It can lead to memory problems over time.
  • Shrink the Brain: Long-term heavy drinking has been known to shrink parts of the brain; it most prominently affects areas related to memory and decision-making.

Alcoholic Brain vs Normal Brain?

Alcoholic Brain vs Normal Brain?

  • Poor Decision-Making: An alcoholic brain lacks the capability for proper decisions and impulses that are uncontrolled.
  • Memory Problems: Alcohol can cause difficulty in remembering things or thinking clearly.
  • Mood Changes: Alcoholics are much more apt to feel sad, anxious, or irritable.

Can the Brain Heal?

Fortunately, the brain can heal once the person stops drinking. While there are a few ways that some of the damage might be permanent, cessation of alcohol does allow the brain time to heal.

Dr. Rahul Mathur
Consultant Neuropsychiatris

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