does alcohol abuse cause permanent brain damage?

Answer 1

Here's a great web page on the effects of alcohol on the brain:

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa63/aa63.htm

From the page:

We do know that heavy drinking may have extensive and far–reaching effects on the brain, ranging from simple “slips” in memory to permanent and debilitating conditions that require lifetime custodial care. And even moderate drinking leads to short–term impairment, as shown by extensive research on the impact of drinking on driving.

Answer 2

Yes, over many years of chronic abuse. This also applies to people who are "binge drinkers", many of whom seem to think that because they only drink heavily on weekends and are otherwise sober, they are not at risk. There are several neurological conditions that can be caused by alcohol abuse: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is damage to several areas in the brain as a result of the thiamine deficiency that comes from alcohol abuse (these areas may include the thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, and the grey matter surrouding the cerebral aqueduct and fourth ventricle, as well as the cerebellum) and may lead to permanent problems even if thiamine is given to correct the deficiency; cerebellar degeneration; and demyelination of the corpus callosum (the part of the brain that connects the two cerebral hemispheres); alcohol can also cause a form of dementia as well as disease of the peripheral nerves.

Answer 3

Yes without a doubt. It has to be long term abuse though and gradually brain cells are destroyed.At first it is not too noticeable,one just finds it harder to get thoughts in cohesion,forgets, fails to remember what happened the day before,an individual can function for quite some time when abusing alcohol,but this is due to learn ed reflexes rather than a conscious form of living.

Answer 4

Either bingeing or chronic heavy use of alcohol can cause brain damage and dementia over even quite a short time if you are susceptible. Seek medical advice.

Clue: I just gave you some...............

Answer 5

Yes not to mention liver damage.

Answer 6

anything abusive will effect the brain.

Answer 7

Yes is does, my mate has been drinking for years hard now and we all accept the fact that he slurrs his words and stutters now and then!!!

sad really!!! but he is from london so what else can you expect!

Answer 8

I think the liver is more at risk than the brain...

Answer 9

I have been drinking most of my life & I have no problems? Sorry what was the question. Hic Pardon

Answer 10

Not necessarily, but it does cause short term memory loss.