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Can the brain repair itself after alcohol use disorder?
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Sep 1, 2011 · Researchers have studied the effects of abstinence on the brains of alcohol-dependent individuals by comparing subjects recovering from years of alcohol abuse with those who do not drink or...
Nov 9, 2023 · In encouraging news for people recovering from alcohol use disorder, new research demonstrates how quickly the brain can repair its structure once drinking ceases. People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) tend to have thinning in regions of their cortex; the wrinkled outer layer to the brain critical to so many higher order cognitive functions ...
Jul 15, 2024 · Can Your Brain Recover from Alcohol? Your brain has the potential to recover from alcohol-related damage. The extent of recovery depends on various factors, though, including the severity and duration of alcohol abuse, individual differences, and the presence of any underlying conditions.
When people become preoccupied with drinking alcohol, their cognitive control neurocircuits can struggle to regulate urges to drink, particularly when under stress. 31 Alcohol also can directly damage these brain circuits, making it even harder to regulate urges.
- Overview
- Can brain cells grow back after alcohol use?
- What does alcohol do to your brain over time?
- How to cut back on drinking
- How to get help with drinking
- Takeaway
•A study has found that quitting or cutting back on drinking can improve brain health.
•Those who reduced their drinking to a low-risk level had less brain shrinkage.
•The authors suggest that cutting back may be a more doable goal for people with AUD.
•Some will be able to cut down on their drinking through strategies like mindfulness.
•Others, however, may benefit from professional help.
A new study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research indicates that, for people with alcohol use disorder, even reducing alcohol consumption can be helpful when it comes to brain health.
To conduct their study, the researchers collected data from 68 people ages 28 to 70 with alcohol use disorder.
The participants were matched with a control group of 34 people of a similar age who were either non-drinkers or light drinkers.
To judge the health of their brains, the team used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the cortex volume in various regions of their brains.
They looked at those who entered treatment and either stopped drinking; resumed drinking, but at low-risk levels; or resumed drinking at higher-risk levels.
About eight months after they began treatment, the higher-risk drinkers had significantly less volume in 12 out of 13 regions when compared with the controls.
Low risk drinkers had less volume in nine of the 13 regions.
Dr. Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead at Treated, explained that although research doesn’t show that drinking can destroy brain cells, it can lead to shrinkage.
This particular study, he noted, shows that even moderate alcohol consumption can cause the hippocampus, which is associated with learning and memory, to reduce in size over time.
“This could be, in part, because the hippocampus is an area of the brain with a unique and
delicate structure,” he said, “where new neurons are constantly being created through neurogenesis.”
According to Atkinson, previous studies have shown that high levels of alcohol consumption can interfere with this process.
Atkinson further explained that long-term alcohol use might also cause shrinkage because alcohol is a diuretic and causes water to be removed from your body.
Engage in mindful drinking
“Pay attention to the amount and frequency of your alcohol consumption,” Blassingame said, explaining the concept of mindful drinking. “By being more conscious, you can make deliberate choices about when and how much to drink.” To aid you in becoming more aware of your drinking, she recommends using smartphone apps like Sunnyside or Reframe to track your consumption. She also suggests joining a peer-support community like Lionrock.life where you can gain support and advice from other people who are also working to reduce their drinking.
Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
“Often, we mistake thirst for the urge to consume alcohol,” she said. Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can also help you reduce alcohol consumption.
Seek out nonalcoholic alternatives
These can “provide the ritual of a drink without the alcohol content,” said Blassingame, noting there are plenty of nonalcoholic alternatives available, such as: •herbal teas •sparkling waters •mocktails
Michelle English, LCSW, co-founder and executive clinical manager of Healthy Life Recovery, said there are many places where you can get support if you are trying to limit your alcohol consumption.
“A qualified therapist or counselor who focuses on addiction and substance abuse is one option,” she noted.
“They can offer tailored support and direction for lowering alcohol consumption.”
For example, they might help you with creating coping mechanisms for handling triggers or help you deal with any underlying problems you have that encourage excessive drinking, she explained.
English said it could also be helpful to talk with either an individual or a group of people about your experiences with attempting to cut back on your drinking.
“For those trying to cut back on their alcohol consumption, support groups can offer both emotional support and accountability,” she said.
Research suggests that both quitting and cutting back on your alcohol consumption can provide benefits for your brain by reducing the amount of shrinkage in certain regions.
While quitting altogether provides the greatest benefit, the authors say that even cutting back to a low risk level can help and could be a more achievable goal for those with alcohol use disorder.
Apr 5, 2022 · What is alcohol-related neurologic disease? Alcohol-related neurologic disease refers to a range of conditions caused by alcohol intake that affect the nerves and nervous system. Neurologic...
Mar 18, 2024 · Key points. Transient memory loss, “blackouts,” and hangovers related to alcohol consumption are brain health risks. Alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) is a risk factor for developing...
