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Beach House Recovery Center » Blog » How does Alcohol Affect the Nervous System?
The physically and psychologically destructive effects of alcohol abuse are numerous and far reaching. Despite alcohol’s widespread social acceptance and universal popularity as a recreational beverage, it remains a potent neurotoxin—damaging to all levels of health and corrosive to the nervous system. All people, without exception, experience negative changes related to nervous system health and function as a result of alcohol abuse. Certain people who abuse alcohol excessively—especially long-term—experience severe corrosion of their nervous system to the point where healthy cognition and autonomous functioning are severely impaired or totally destroyed.
In decades past, the ubiquitous problem of excessive alcohol consumption was supported by a popular myth—that moderate drinking was actually beneficial to health. However, recent scientific research has shattered this illusion and conclusively revealed that any amount of alcohol is damaging to the body and mind. In order to fully grasp alcohol’s destructive impact, one must first consider the following evidence that reveals its neurotoxic nature and the severe socioeconomic burden it places on society:
The human nervous system is analogous to a giant factory comprised of millions of mechanical parts, each integral to the healthy functioning of the whole. This factory is powered by vast, interconnected neural pathways and cells that facilitate mental and physical processes with the support of the central nervous system (CNS)—which includes the spinal cord and brain. The two primary components involved in CNS function are microscopic nerve cells known as neurons, and special chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
Neurons, in particular, are directly linked to the CNS’s communications network and their ability to send and receive messages depends upon the health of related neurotransmitters. Together, the flow of communication between these interactive chemicals depends upon the health of multiple related systems such as the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS functions as a secondary nervous system that interfaces with the CNS, following its complex instructions and guiding future neurochemical activity. In healthy individuals, the interaction between these organisms is productive and forms the basis for successful neurological functioning. However, the neurotoxic effects of alcohol abuse are devastating to both—a reality that becomes painfully apparent over time.
Alcohol’s short and long-term effect on cognition and CNS function is overwhelming. When consumed in excess, alcohol disrupts interaction between numerous brain chemicals and seriously distorts perception. For example, alcohol’s effect on GABA and dopamine—two key neurotransmitters—is at best deleterious, and at worst catastrophic. Alcohol abuse triggers a surge in these naturally occurring chemicals that is initially perceived as highly pleasurable, even euphoric. Over time, this artificially elevated state vanishes as the nervous system experiences a widespread depletion of these same chemicals and, in many cases, resulting nutritional deficiencies. In certain users, the deficiency of vitamin B1, in particular, leads to serious changes in muscle function, eyesight, and cognition—the latter of which can lead to a coma and/or death.
This neurological and cognitive decline, known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy, may eventually lead to another debilitating, potentially irreversible disease known as Korsakoff syndrome—or psychosis. Together this troubling cluster of symptoms, known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) by most physicians, or simply “wet brain,” dramatically lowers quality of life and interferes with healthy, autonomous functioning. In addition to the aforementioned consequences, immoderate alcohol consumption can lead to the following short or long-term complications that are associated with nervous system dysfunction:
Immoderate alcohol consumption at any age leads to irresponsible or criminal behavior, impulsivity, and serious social, medical, and professional problems. However, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), early alcohol abuse starting in adolescence can prove particularly insidious, damaging delicate brain structures such as the prefrontal cortex which are charged with executive functioning. Considered a human supercomputer by many researchers and scientists, the prefrontal cortex represents a critical cognitive asset that, once damaged, leads to serious and lasting harm. Unfortunately, this brain region is only one of many that are adversely affected.
The very first step required in minimizing or eliminating the neurological effects of alcohol abuse is to immediately stop drinking. The body is naturally re-generative and the brain equipped with a self-healing mechanism known as neuroplasticity, which allows it to gradually re-structure damaged neural pathways or form new ones in relationship to environmental stimuli. This process, in turn, can help erase or improve the effects of even moderate to severe alcohol damage.
At any stage of the alcohol withdrawal and recovery process, professional intervention is a necessary step. Clients who elect to attend a treatment facility may choose between various options including inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, or, in severe cases involving acute alcohol poisoning or dangerous interactions with other mind-altering substances, short-term hospitalization. All of these options are popular methods of treatment and an excellent starting point for those beginning their journey to recovery. In addition to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combining appropriate therapeutic modalities with specific pharmacological interventions, certain clients may require further physical or neurological rehabilitation by trained specialists depending upon the extent of damage sustained.
Although alcoholism is an extremely difficult disorder to treat, recovery is entirely possible, and there are now more treatment options than ever before. Even in cases where treatment is delayed, significant benefits can be expected in a medically managed setting. If you or someone you love are suffering from alcoholism and in need of help, call a substance abuse professional today. The sooner you take action, the greater your chances are of making a full recovery and living a happier, healthier lifestyle.
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Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
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