Author: John Carter

Alcohol-Related Neurologic Disease: Types, Signs, Treatment

The residual effects can continue to affect cognitive functions and overall mental clarity. When struggling with alcoholism, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek the necessary help before it’s too late. Utilizing available resources, such as our national directory of drug and alcohol abuse treatment facilities, is a crucial step in finding the best possible treatment teams for your needs. With the ability to filter your search by location, you can find the nearest and most suitable rehab facilities in your county or city. Verifying insurance for addiction treatment is also crucial to avoid unexpected financial challenges during the recovery process.

However, a 2018 study published in The Lancet suggests that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Even low levels of consumption can harm your health; higher levels of consumption have worse effects. Some of those effects, like slurred speech and diminished memory, can be quite clear; others, like long-term cellular damage, may not be as obvious. It can lead to cognitive impairments such as memory loss, poor concentration, and difficulty with decision-making. Untreated alcohol misuse can lead to a number of severe health problems, including brain damage and cognitive impairment.

What is alcohol-related neurologic disease?

Alcohol can also impede the brain’s glucose production, an essential source of energy for brain cells, leading to cellular malfunction and cognitive impairment. There are different ways to manage brain fog, depending on its cause. A recently released study by the RAND research group revealed the many ways that sleep deprivation negatively affects brain function. Consistently running on lack of sleep decreases the brain’s ability to solidify memory and clear out toxins, as well as lowers your ability for higher cognitive functions, such as basic multitasking. “Chronic drinking can really alter a person’s personality,” said Pagano.

Liver damage can lead to a build-up of toxins in the blood, which can cause a range of symptoms, including brain fog. This is because alcohol can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and lead to poor dietary habits. Do you ever feel like your brain is foggy after a night of drinking? We’ve all made the connection between sleep and tiredness, but the effects of sleep deprivation on the brain and body are extensive.

Caffeine and Brain Fog

I know some of the tips we provide seem very basic, but sometimes, the foundational basics are essential when it comes to alcohol recovery. You’re likely already aware, but it’s important to emphasize how consuming alcohol significantly hinders our brain’s capacity to execute fundamental cognitive tasks. Before I got sober, one thing that I noticed was the constant brain fog caused by alcohol. For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, our calls are confidential and are available for 24/7 help. Avoiding alcohol is the best way to treat these conditions and relieve symptoms.

1. But, if all you’re experiencing is a little bit of fogginess, it might be worth it to test out a few lifestyle changes.
2. Better Addiction Care is here to help you every step of the way with our available resources.
3. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, people who get treated for their alcohol problems have no further mental or physical symptoms one year later.
4. Taking breaks between drinks—and being sure not to imbibe on an empty stomach—can help reduce your risk of experiencing them yourself.

In fact, a 2021 study found that 7 percent of people with long-haul COVID-19 reported brain fog. In a 2019 study, researchers showed that quitting alcohol had a positive effect on most people’s mental well-being. Once you stop alcohol intake, a doctor can address your specific symptoms. Doctors tailor specific treatments and alcohol abstinence programs to the individual. Alcohol can have significant negative effects on the central nervoussystem (CNS). Drinking alcohol can also have negative effects on the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

An Introduction to Alcohol Brain Fog

But delirium tremens is a medical emergency and requires a hospital stay. You may need to be sedated for more than a week until the alcohol withdrawal symptoms go away. And a doctor may use brain-imaging techniques to monitor treatment over time. Knowing why you’re experiencing brain fog is an important first step in understanding what may help relieve symptoms. If you’re unsure what could be causing your brain fog, consult with a healthcare provider for advice.

While alcohol can act as a social lubricant and may provide “liquid courage” for people who are otherwise anxious or shy, Pagano warned against relying on it too much. “If drinking allows you to engage in behavior you wouldn’t engage in otherwise, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it,” said Pagano. “And if you always use it to have a good time, you won’t learn how to be okay in social situations without it.” But if you have a response to alcohol that’s noticeably different from other people’s, it may be time to reexamine your relationship with drinking, advised Pagano. People who drink regularly may also notice that booze doesn’t have the same effect on them as it used to.

“But there are certainly limits,” said Pagano, “and we often see improvement only after months of complete abstinence and giving the brain time to heal.” Binge drinking also affects the cerebellum (which helps regulate balance) and the cerebral cortex (which is responsible for taking in and processing new information). When these regions of the brain are slowed down, a person might feel dizzy and stagger when walking, have blurred or double vision, and have difficulty paying attention to things going on around them. “Your sensory uptake has been dulled, so you’re not going to be taking in new information as well,” said Pagano.

“With chronic drinking, the wiring element to your brain’s reward system can get worn out and lose some of its normal functioning,” said Pagano. “You build up a tolerance, and after a while, you don’t feel as good as you once did with the same amounts of alcohol.” “For starters, alcohol slows down the neurotransmitter GABA, and that’s what drives the sluggish movement, slurred speech, and slower reaction time in someone who’s intoxicated,” said Pagano. At the same time, Pagano added, alcohol speeds up a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which is responsible for regulating dopamine in the brain’s reward center. “That’s why you might get that warm, fuzzy feeling when you’re drinking.”

If you think you or someone you know may be struggling with alcohol addiction, it is vital to seek professional help as soon as possible. There are a number of things you can do to help reduce stress levels. This is because a healthy diet can help to improve your brain health and overall well-being. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak to a medical professional.

Additionally, alcohol consumption can trigger inflammation in the brain, causing damage to neurons, which further results in cognitive decline and alcohol brain fog. Moreover, alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as brain fog can manifest in individuals who are dependent on alcohol and decide to stop abruptly. Abrupt cessation of alcohol can lead to alcohol withdrawal brain fog. While brain fog from alcohol is temporary and reversible, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to permanent cognitive impairment.

And if a person has an underlying mental health disorder, like depression or bipolar disorder, alcohol can exacerbate symptoms and increase mood swings. This is because dehydration can lead to symptoms like fatigue and difficulty concentrating. These deficiencies can lead to symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, and irritability. In fact, brain fog related to alcohol use can also be a symptom of withdrawal for those who have developed alcohol dependence. In such cases, the brain has become accustomed to the presence of alcohol and may struggle to function normally without it, leading to feelings of confusion or disorientation.

Our addiction treatment experts can answer all your queries and provide additional insights on addiction and recovery through our addiction treatment blog. When dealing with an alcoholic, it may seem like a lonely road, but you are not alone. Better Addiction Care is here to help you every step of the way with our available resources. Caffeine directly impacts dopamine levels and other neurotransmitters contributing to your overall brain functioning, sleep, appetite, and mood. Experts say the first approach to getting rid of brain fog includes looking at lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, and exercise. Any brain that’s been the victim of extended substance abuse certainly couldn’t be harmed by a memory or concentration exercise.