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Editorial Policy | Research Policy
I’m sure that many people know firsthand or have witnessed the effects of alcohol consumption. What a lot of us don’t realize, and often can’t see, is how alcohol can affect the body’s nervous system—temporarily and permanently.
First, let’s start with some basic knowledge of the nervous system:
The path of alcohol in the body is essential to understanding its effect on the nervous system as well. It enters through the mouth and proceeds to the stomach, through which some of it can get into the bloodstream. Most of the alcohol goes on into the small intestine. Once the alcohol enters here, it’s capable of entering any part of the nervous system.
Not only can alcohol abuse cause serious problems over a period of time in the nervous system, such as memory loss, altered speech, dulled hearing, and impaired vision, but it also impacts brain and liver tissues, destroys brain cells, and depresses the nervous system in general. Many causes of liver cancers are alcohol abuse.
The effects of alcohol on the nervous system are numerous, but the main ones can be divided into three categories: acute intoxication, chronic usage, and withdrawal.
Alcohol also acts as a depressant on the brain and other nerve tissue, which means that it slows down the functioning of nerve cells. Despite this, many people think that alcohol is an anti-depressant because it has a numbing effect on the brain and is used as a “pick-me-up” experience because, initially, when people begin to drink, it causes them to become more animated and less reserved. But the opposite occurs as they continue to drink, and more alcohol enters their brain and nervous system.
The major nervous system is greatly affected by alcohol consumption and has been known to decrease control, both in gross and fine motor movements. Individuals have been known to lean on something while trying to walk, have labored breathing, and their handwriting is completely unintelligible. They also experience changes in their brain, such as increased confusion, inability to process logic, and personality changes. Most intoxicated individuals are either extremely irritable or very maudlin, with many emotional tears. Seizures are also possible.
Potential long-term consequences of the condition include chronic pain and moderate to severe physical disabilities. Older adults are prone to the natural reduction of postural reflexes and the nerve cell degeneration that occurs with advanced age. Therefore, they may be more at risk for clinical problems associated with neuropathy, such as frequent falls and loss of balance.
In a study including more than two thousand alcohol users who have attempted to stop using it or have reported that they want to stop:
The only way to avoid the negative effects of alcohol on the nervous system is to stay sober.
If you’re concerned about alcohol’s effects on the nervous system – for either yourself or a loved one – it may be time to take the next step and determine if you or your loved one has a problem.
Take one of our free and confidential assessments:
If it’s time to seek help, contact us today to learn about our treatment approach and facilities. We have a long history of providing successful substance abuse treatment at our Palmer Lake, Colorado facilities.
Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous – and even kill you – make sure you have medical advice from your doctor or a rehab facility when you decide to stop drinking.
There are many misconceptions about alcoholism that make it sound like an alcoholic is an easy person to spot, however, many alcoholics function effectively and lead relatively normal lives.
An alcohol abuse problem can include binge drinking, having negative consequences such as hangovers with your drinking but continuing anyway, and drinking despite the desire to stop.
In a recent study by The Recovery Village, 44% of respondents reported abusing alcohol in an attempt to ease uncomfortable feelings that stem from underlying anxiety.
Drinking more than three drinks in a single sitting will temporarily cause your blood pressure to rise, but extended binge drinking or regular alcohol consumption can cause a permanent increase in blood pressure.
Mukherjee, Sukhes. “Alcoholism and its effects on the central nervous system.” Current neurovascular research, 2013. Accessed July 23, 2021.
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
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