Alcohol and the Brain: Alcohol’s Effect on Brain and Mental Health, and Treatment

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder profoundly affects the brain and mental health. In addition to causing physical damage to the brain, long-term alcohol use aggravates mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Approximately 33.1% of individuals aged 12 to 20, equating to 12.6 million people, reported having tried alcohol at least once in their lifetime, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

Alcohol abuse affects the brain by precipitating structural changes, encompassing shrinkage of gray matter, impaired neuroplasticity, disrupted neurotransmitter function, decreased cognitive abilities, memory deficits, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and an augmented risk of neurodegenerative diseases. It also impacts the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, compromising decision-making, learning, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. Chronic alcohol use has long-term brain damage ramifications, taking a toll on overall mental health and cognitive function. 

Common effects of alcohol abuse on the brain are memory loss, brain damage, cognitive decline, increased risk of dementia, impaired decision-making, alcohol-related brain damage, reduced emotional stability, and heightened susceptibility to brain injury. About 8.6% of individuals aged 12 to 20, or 3.3 million people, reported binge drinking in the previous month, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

The impact of alcohol addiction on mental health includes depression, anxiety disorders, elevated risk of suicide, mood swings, impaired cognitive functions, disrupted sleep patterns, heightened paranoia, episodes of psychosis, augmented aggression, and surged stress and emotional instability. These mental health challenges coincide with patterns of binge drinking, which the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines as a drinking pattern that raises blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08%—equivalent to 0.08 grams (0.0028oz.) of alcohol per deciliter or higher. Binge drinking occurs when a woman consumes four or more drinks, or a man consumes five or more drinks, within just about two hours.

The main treatment options for alcohol addiction’s impact on the brain are detoxification, medication-assisted therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, nutritional therapy, thiamine supplementation, and rehabilitation programs. Around 70% of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-related problems experience improvement without interventions (natural recovery). In comparison, fewer than 25% seek alcohol-focused services, as outlined by Tucker et al. 2020 in “Epidemiology of Recovery From Alcohol Use Disorder.”

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction on the Brain?

The effects of alcohol addiction on the brain are memory loss, impaired cognitive function, and structural damage, inducing alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). ARBD encompasses several conditions caused by alcohol’s toxic effects on the brain, which impede short-term and long-term brain function.  Cognitive impairments in alcohol-dependent patients without other neurological complications are gaining escalated attention from addiction medicine professionals due to their impact on treatment. As observed by various studies, between 50% and 80% of these patients exhibit impaired cognitive function, as referenced by Bernardin et al. 2014 in “Cognitive Impairments in Alcohol-Dependent Subjects.”

Common effects of alcohol addiction on the brain are explained below:

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Addiction on the Brain

The short-term effects of alcohol addiction on the brain are impaired judgment, lowered inhibitions, and short-term memory loss. These effects are temporary but prompt accidents and risky behaviors. A study comparing 42 abstinent alcohol-dependent (AD) patients and 34 healthy controls found that AD patients showed impaired cognitive performance, particularly in attention, visual memory, and working memory. Those abstinent for less than a year had more deficits than longer-abstinent patients and controls, as expressed by Kopera et al. 2012 in “Cognitive Functions in Abstinent Alcohol-dependent Patients.”

Examples of short-term effects of alcohol addiction on the brain are elaborated below:

• Impaired judgment: Alcohol lessens the brain’s ability to evaluate risks, provoking poor decision-making. This amplifies the likelihood of engaging in harmful behaviors, such as driving under the influence or risky sexual activities.
• Lessened inhibitions: Alcohol lowers the brain’s ability to control impulses, amplifying the likelihood of risky behavior. This manifests as aggressive outbursts or excessive spending.
• Short-term memory loss: Alcohol cripples the hippocampus, hence difficulty remembering recent events. This makes it difficult for individuals to recall conversations or activities from earlier in the day.
• Motor impairments: Alcohol affects motor coordination, challenging smooth movement and balance. Victims end up stumbling, slurred speech, and accidents, putting the person and others at risk.
• Mood swings: Alcohol modifies neurotransmitter levels, contributing to emotional instability and aggression. These mood fluctuations generate volatile behavior in social situations or relationships.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Addiction on the Brain

The long-term effects of alcohol addiction on the brain are severe cognitive decline, memory loss, and emotional instability. These effects worsen with continued alcohol abuse and are irreversible, especially with chronic alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). A meta-analysis examining 12 cognitive functions in individuals with alcohol dependence established massive improvements in cognitive performance across all areas after one year of continuous abstinence. Analyzing 62 studies, they found moderate impairment across 11 cognitive domains during short-term abstinence (<1 month) and 10 domains during intermediate-term abstinence (2-12 months) supporting the idea of diffuse brain impairment in alcoholism, as mentioned by Stavro et al. 2013 in “Widespread and Sustained Cognitive Deficits in Alcoholism: A Meta-analysis.”

Examples of the long-term effects of alcohol addiction on the brain are given below:

• Neurodegeneration: Prolonged alcohol use accelerates brain aging, leading to permanent cognitive deficits. This neurodegeneration eventually engenders conditions such as dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Memory loss: Memory loss is difficulty retaining new information and recalling past events due to hippocampal deterioration. This loss becomes more pronounced over time, complicating daily activities like remembering appointments or social interactions.
• Reduced executive function: Reduced executive function refers to impairments in decision-making, problem-solving, and impulse control. These issues make it challenging to manage work, relationships, and other aspects of life that require planning and foresight.
• Emotional dysregulation: Emotional dysregulation is heightened vulnerability to mood disorders and emotional instability. This contributes to difficulty maintaining stable relationships and coping with daily stressors.
• Motor dysfunction: Motor dysfunction is persistent difficulties with motor coordination, distracting from daily tasks and movement. This encourages a decline in the ability to perform basic tasks like walking, dressing, or eating without assistance.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction in the Elderly?

The effects of alcohol addiction in the elderly are cognitive decline, memory impairments, augmented risk of dementia, and brain shrinkage, with long-term alcohol use aggravating age-related neurodegenerative issues. Older adults experience an accelerated loss of memory and motor function due to alcohol’s cumulative influence on brain health. Studies indicate that chronic alcohol use increases the risk of dementia in this age group.

The rate of alcohol use disorder among U.S. adults aged 65 and older increased by 107% between 2001 and 2013 as illustrated by Grant et al. 2017 in “Prevalence of 12-Month Alcohol Use, High-Risk Drinking, and DSM-IV Alcohol Use Disorder in the United States, 2001-2002 to 2012-2013.”

Midlife abstinence raises dementia risk by 47%, while drinking over 14 units per week escalates it further, with each additional 7 units raising the risk by 17%. Long-term abstinence and consistently high intake were also linked to higher dementia risk, supporting the revision of alcohol guidelines to under 14 units per week for cognitive health, as indicated by the study “Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Dementia: 23-Year Follow-Up of Whitehall II Cohort Study” by Sabia et al. 2018.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction In Women?

The effects of alcohol addiction in women are severe cognitive impairments, a growing risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Alcohol sustains a faster rate of brain shrinkage in women, setting in motion cognitive impairment and higher levels of alcohol-induced mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Alcohol consumption disrupts hormonal balance, which provokes mood disorders and affects menstrual cycles. During pregnancy, alcohol poses considerable risks such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which result in lifelong developmental challenges for the child. 

Between 2001–02 and 2012–13, the proportion of women who drank alcohol increased by 16%, while heavy drinking among women rose by 58% (compared to 16% in men), and the one-year prevalence of alcohol use disorder in women surged by 84% (versus 35% in men), as reported by Sugarman D. & Greenfield S. 2021 in Harvard Health Publishing’s “Women, Alcohol, and COVID-19.”

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction In Men?

The effects of alcohol addiction in men are marred cognitive function, liver damage, a soaring hazard of cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Men are more likely to develop alcohol use disorders at an earlier age and tend to experience more severe physical and psychological consequences compared to women. Long-term alcohol abuse in men is linked to higher rates of mortality from alcohol-related causes.

In men, alcohol addiction breeds aggression, impulse control issues, and memory deficits. Men with alcohol use disorder also go through mood swings and an inflated danger of sparking brain-related disorders over time.

In the United States, 68% of males and 64% of females drink alcohol each year, with males consuming nearly three times as much (19.0 liters vs. 6.7 liters). Males also have higher rates of DUI arrests, alcohol-related hospitalizations, and alcohol-related deaths. Seven percent of males and 4% of females are diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) annually, with 9% of both genders receiving treatment. Women are more likely to suffer harm from another’s drinking, with 4.2% affected by a spouse and 5.6% by a family member, compared to 1.8% and 3.7% in men, as studied by White A. 2020 in “Gender Differences in the Epidemiology of Alcohol Use and Related Harms in the United States.”

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction in Adolescents?

The effects of alcohol addiction in adolescents are arrested brain development, which disrupts cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making, a magnified likelihood of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, poor academic performance, and risky behaviors. Adolescents with alcohol use disorder are also more likely to engage in violent or criminal activities, encounter injuries, and face protracted health problems such as liver damage and a rising probability of developing alcohol dependence in adulthood. 

In the past year, 407,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 met the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. By 12th grade, 61.5% of teens have reported abusing alcohol. A new WHO/Europe report (2024) highlights troubling trends in adolescent substance use across Europe, Central Asia, and Canada. The report reveals that 57% of 15-year-olds have tried alcohol at least once, with nearly 4 in 10 (37%) reporting alcohol consumption in the past 30 days, which reflects a similar concern as in the United States.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction Damage on the Brain?

The symptoms of alcohol addiction damage on the brain are memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and frequent mood changes. These symptoms are progressive, worsening over time with continued alcohol consumption. Early identification and treatment manage these symptoms and improve brain health outcomes.

The “2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” originated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offer recommendations for promoting health and preventing chronic disease through diet and beverage choices. For adults of legal drinking age, the guidelines propose that alcohol consumption is either avoided or kept moderate— limited to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

Does Alcohol Kill Brain Cells?

No, alcohol does not directly kill brain cells, nevertheless, it does impose severe damage to the brain. Lander B. 2024, a clinical psychologist and addiction medicine specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, writes in “How Alcohol Abuse Affects Your Brain” published by Ohio State Health and Discovery that “alcohol damages and kills brain cells.” Excessive drinking is toxic to neurons, and over time, it elicits a loss of brain cells in areas associated with memory and cognitive function. This devastation is cumulative, meaning that prolonged alcohol use expands the onset of huge brain cell loss. 

By the same token, studies imply that alcohol doesn’t directly cause cell death- Moderate alcohol consumption (1–7 drinks weekly) in adults aged 65 and older was associated with fewer white matter abnormalities and lower incidence of infarcts, as indicated by odds ratios (OR) of 0.68 or 32% and 0.59 or 41%, respectively, compared to abstainers. High alcohol consumption (≥15 drinks weekly) was linked to increased brain atrophy, with ORs of 1.32 or 32% for larger ventricular size and 1.53 or 53% for larger sulcal size. These findings connote that moderate drinking minimizes vascular-related brain issues, while heavy drinking is associated with brain atrophy, as analyzed by Mukamal et al. 2001 in “Alcohol Consumption and Subclinical Findings on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study.” Dr. Mukamal intimates that “There’s a great deal of doubt about whether the atrophy seen on MRI is due to loss of brain cells or to fluid shifts within the brain.”

What Is the Difference Between a Healthy Brain and an Alcoholic Brain?

The difference between a healthy brain and an alcoholic brain is that the former has an intact structure, functioning memory, stable mood regulation, and normal cognitive abilities. In contrast, an alcoholic brain shows signs of shrinkage, cut cognitive performance, and irregular neurotransmitter function, hence memory issues and mood disorders. The brains of individuals with alcohol dependence are 3–9% smaller than those of healthy individuals, with shrinkage occurring in areas such as the hippocampus, putamen, pallidum, thalamus, corpus callosum, and cerebellar gray matter. This trimming in brain volume is correlated with the amount of alcohol consumed, as detailed by Daviet et al. 2022 in “Associations Between Alcohol Consumption and Gray and White Matter Volumes in the UK Biobank.”

How to Treat the Effects of Alcohol Addiction on the Brain

To treat the effects of alcohol addiction on the brain, you need to detoxify and engage in medication-assisted therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, thiamine supplementation, nutrition, and rehabilitation programs. These treatments aim to scope the physiological and psychological consequences of alcohol addiction. Common treatments involved in addressing the effects of alcohol addiction on the brain include:

Detoxification

Detoxification eliminates alcohol from the body and handles withdrawal symptoms safely. This process is necessary for recovery as it allows the brain to start healing from alcohol’s toxic effects. Detox is the first step in treatment, carried out in a supervised medical setting to monitor and tackle withdrawal symptoms.

79% of home detox patients and 78% of day hospital patients completed detoxification after 10 days, with 45% of home patients and 31% of day hospital patients noting great advancements in alcohol-related issues at the 60-day follow-up. Improved outcomes were associated with continued treatment attendance in both groups, denominating that home and day hospital detox are viable and effective alternatives to inpatient detox for selected patients, as explored by Allan et al. 2000 in “Detoxification From Alcohol: A Comparison Of Home Detoxification And Hospital-Based Day Patient Care.”

Medication-Assisted Therapy

Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) involves using medications to help reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse. Medications like disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone are prescribed as part of a MAT plan. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 118 clinical trials with 20,976 participants revealed that pharmacotherapies like 50 mg/day oral naltrexone and acamprosate substantially ameliorated alcohol consumption-related outcomes relative to a placebo. Specifically, oral naltrexone (50 mg/day) was associated with lower rates of return to heavy drinking, with a number needed to treat of 11, according to McPheeters et al. 2023 in “Pharmacotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that supports individuals in identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors related to alcohol use. CBT is employed to help individuals develop coping mechanisms for stress and triggers. 

A survey of U.S. treatment facilities reveals that 96% of program administrators report using relapse prevention techniques, and 94% incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These rates are second only to the reported use of “drug counseling,” as derived by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2020) in “National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS): 2020, Data on Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities,” which was replaced by the  National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS). Consequently, the inclusion of CBT in the treatment of alcohol and other drug (AOD) addictions is almost universal in the current treatment landscape.

Support Groups

Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide peer support and shared experiences in a group setting. These groups foster accountability and emotional support, helping individuals maintain sobriety. Research indicates that 42% of participants in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) remain completely abstinent after one year, compared to 35% of those receiving other treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as outlined by Kelly et al. 2020 in “Alcoholics Anonymous and Other 12-Step Programs for Alcohol Use Disorder” published in the Cochrane Library. This educates us that AA offers a higher long-term abstinence rate than other therapeutic approaches for alcohol use disorder.

Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional therapy focuses on restoring physical health by addressing nutritional deficiencies caused by long-term alcohol use. Alcohol abuse creates deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals, which worsen brain damage. Nutritional therapy consists of a balanced diet, as well as supplements to replenish vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, which are essential for brain health.

A study of 105 male alcoholics found that combining nutritional therapy with conventional treatment resulted in better long-term sobriety. Six months after treatment, 81.3% of those receiving both therapies remained sober, compared to 37.8% in the conventional treatment group, suggesting that nutritional therapy magnifies long-term recovery from alcoholism according to Guenther (1983) in “The Role of Nutritional Therapy in Alcoholism Treatment.”

Thiamine Supplementation

Thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation is helpful for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction, as alcohol misuse generates thiamine deficiency, contributing to conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe neurological disorder. Providing thiamine supplementation is effective in bolstering brain function and reducing neurological damage in patients with alcohol dependence.

A study reviewed thiamine use among 14,998 ICU patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) from 2010 to 2017, finding that 51% received supplementation, with rates varying by condition: 59% for alcohol withdrawal, 26% for septic shock, 41% for traumatic brain injury (TBI), and 24% for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Over half (52%) of those given thiamine received it within 12 hours, through enteral routes (41%), highlighting a care gap, especially for AUD patients with conditions beyond alcohol withdrawal, according to the findings in “Thiamine Supplementation in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder Presenting with Acute Critical Illness” by Pawar et al. 2021.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs are structured treatment plans that equip intensive therapy and support to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction. These programs are inpatient or outpatient and combine detoxification, therapy, and support group participation. Long-term rehab programs that last several months have shown higher success rates for preventing relapse, with outcomes boosting when integrated with ongoing outpatient support and monitoring.

Evidence supporting the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs shows promising outcomes. One year after treatment for alcohol use disorder, 25% of clients remained continuously abstinent, while an additional 10% drank moderately without issues. Mortality rates were under 2%, and even among those who did not achieve full abstinence, considerable improvements were observed: clients abstained on average three out of four days, cut general alcohol consumption by 87%, and saw a 60% fall in alcohol-related problems. These findings spotlight that two-thirds of clients experience substantial betterment post-treatment, even if complete abstinence isn’t achieved, as seen in the study “How Effective is Alcoholism Treatment in the United States?” by Miller et al. 2001.

How Does Alcohol Addiction Affect Mental Health?

Alcohol addiction affects mental health by impacting mood, cognition, and emotional well-being. Each of these effects demonstrates the complex and detrimental relationship between alcohol addiction and mental health. Addressing the addiction and its mental health consequences is essential for comprehensive recovery.

 The following list outlines common mental health effects associated with alcohol addiction:

• Induces depression: Alcohol acts as a depressant, exacerbating depressive symptoms over time. Chronic drinking lowers serotonin levels sparking persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), conducted since 2001 to evaluate drinking behaviors and co-occurring conditions in the U.S., found that individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are 3.7 times more likely to develop major depressive disorder compared to those without AUD, according to the University at Buffalo’s Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions (2016) in “Alcohol and Depression.”
• Triggers anxiety disorders: While alcohol initially seems to lessen anxiety, long-term use breeds heightened anxiety symptoms. A study examining individuals in outpatient substance abuse treatment found that 46% of those with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) also met the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), with GAD preceding AUD onset by an average of 12.5 years in 67% of cases as described by Smith J. & Book S. 2011 in “Comorbidity of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorders among Individuals Seeking Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment.”
• Increases risk of suicide: Alcohol impairs judgment and increases impulsivity, both of which raise the likelihood of suicidal behavior. An empirical review of published studies found that a median of 37% of suicides and 40% of suicide attempts are preceded by alcohol use disorder as denoted by Conner et al. 2014 in “Alcohol and Suicidal Behavior: What Is Known and What Can Be Done.”
• Causes mood swings: Alcohol disrupts brain chemistry, aggravating unpredictable shifts in mood. These fluctuations become extreme, particularly during withdrawal, igniting irritability and emotional instability. Two epidemiological studies conducted diagnostic interview surveys in representative community samples to examine the prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders. The National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Study found that 16.5% of individuals with lifetime major depression also had an alcohol use disorder as cited by Quello et al. 2005 in “Mood Disorders and Substance Use Disorder: A Complex Comorbidity.”
• Impairs cognitive functions: Long-term alcohol use damages brain regions responsible for memory, learning, and decision-making. A study with 763,874 participants (mostly of European ancestry, ages 40–63) discovered that people with thicker brain cortexes, the outer layer of the brain, tend to drink less alcohol and binge drink less often. Researchers highlighted specific genes and brain cells that are involved in this connection, serving insight into how brain health sways alcohol use patterns, as described by Mavromatis et al. 2022 in “Association Between Brain Structure and Alcohol Use Behaviors in Adults.”
• Disrupts sleep patterns: Alcohol interferes with sleep quality, provoking insomnia, and disrupting sleep cycles. This further weakens mental health, as chronic sleep deprivation is closely linked to anxiety and depression. Rates of insomnia among patients admitted for alcoholism treatment are notably higher, ranging from 36% to 72%. These variations depend on sample characteristics, the tools used to assess sleep, the time since the last drink, and the presence of comorbid disorders as highlighted by Brower K. 2001 in “Alcohol’s Effects on Sleep in Alcoholics.”
• Leads to paranoia: Extended alcohol use induces paranoid thinking, causing individuals to misinterpret others’ actions as threatening. This is associated with alcohol-related psychosis, where individuals lose touch with reality. A Finnish report found that approximately 4% of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) experience alcohol-induced psychosis, with 95% of those cases involving hallucinations and 51% involving delusions as put forth by Perälä J et al. 2010 in “Alcohol-induced Psychotic Disorder and Delirium in the General Population.”
• Elevates aggression: Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs self-control, which sparks elevated aggression. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) asked victims of violent crimes who saw the offender whether they believed the offender was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In the 1992 survey, around 50% of the victims did not determine if the offender was under the influence. Among those who made a determination, approximately 59% recounted the offender was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, with alcohol being the most frequently identified substance without the involvement of other drugs.
• Heightens stress and emotional instability: Alcohol brings down the brain’s ability to handle stress, solidifying chronic emotional instability. Extended exposure to stress without effective coping mechanisms worsens mental health outcomes.

What Preventive Measures Can Reduce the Impact of Alcohol on the Brain?

The preventive measures that can reduce the impact of alcohol on the brain, are moderating alcohol intake, getting help early on, nutritional support, physical support, and cognitive behavioral therapy to streamline cognitive function and mental health. Excessive alcohol use leads to approximately 178,000 deaths annually in the United States. Over half of U.S. adults consume alcohol, with 17% engaging in binge drinking—defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men on a single occasion. Additionally, 6% of adults engage in heavy drinking, which is defined as consuming eight or more drinks weekly for women and 15 or more drinks for men according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). These measures, when implemented together, greatly invigorate the long-term cognitive damage brought about by alcohol use.

Key approaches that minimize the impact of alcohol on the brain are given below:

• Moderating Alcohol Consumption: Limiting alcohol intake to safe levels considerably lessens its adverse effects on brain structure and function. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. 
• Seeking Early Intervention and Treatment: Engaging in treatment programs early on prevents the progression of alcohol-related brain damage. 
• Nutritional Support: Nutritional therapy, including supplementation with vitamins such as thiamine (Vitamin B1), is critical in preventing alcohol-related brain damage. Supplementing with thiamine refines mental clarity and descalates the risk of neurological damage.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT has been shown to cut alcohol consumption and its associated negative effects on cognitive function. 
• Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to augment brain health, certainly in individuals recovering from alcohol addiction. Physical exercise encourages neuroplasticity and cognitive recovery by enabling the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain function and repair.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction on the Liver?

The effects of alcohol addiction on the liver are fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. These conditions are life-threatening if left untreated. The liver detoxifies alcohol; prolonged use strains this organ and its ramifications are irreversible liver damage. 60%-90% of individuals consuming more than 60 grams (2.11 ounces) of alcohol daily develop hepatic steatosis. Fewer than 50% of those with alcoholic steatosis who continue drinking will progress to fibrosis, and only 10%-20% will eventually develop cirrhosis. The risk of progressing to cirrhosis rises extensively once steatohepatitis occurs in comparison to those with simple steatosis, as reported by Torruellas C. & Medici V. 2014 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.