How Does Alcohol Affect an Alcoholics Brain?
Alcohol definitely affects the brain, report researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Side effects can be apparent after only a few drinks. Immediate side effects of drinking alcohol can include blurred vision, unsteady gait, slurred speech and impaired reaction times. Memory loss often accompanies the use of alcohol, which may be resolved when the drinking ceases. While some side effects of drinking are considered temporary, with few long-lasting consequences, moderate and heavy drinking can cause permanent brain damage that may be irreversible. Factors that influence the extent of the damage caused by drinking include the age of the drinker, how much and how often drinking occurs, genetics and the drinker’s general health.
