Alcoholism and memory loss are linked in a complex andmultifaceted way. Seeking help for an addiction to alcohol can prevent memory loss. To learn about the dangerous link between alcohol and memory loss, contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410. Our alcohol addiction treatment understands the complexities of alcohol addiction and the detrimental effects it can have on memory.
Does Alcohol Affect Memory?
Alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on one’s memory, both in the short term and long term. In fact, excessive alcohol use has been linked to various forms of memory loss, including blackouts and amnesia. Additionally, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to permanent brain damage and cognitive impairment. Alcohol amnesia, also known as blackouts, occurs when a person consumes large quantities of alcohol in a short period, causing them to temporarily lose the ability to form new memories. This can result in gaps in memory and difficulty recalling events that occurred during the blackout.
Alcoholism and Memory Loss
The relationship between alcoholism and memory loss is complex and often intertwined. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to a condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which causes severe memory impairment due to thiamine deficiency. This condition primarily affects long-term heavy drinkers and can result in permanent brain damage. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to shrinkage of the brain’s hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory formation and storage. As a result, individuals struggling with alcoholism may experience difficulty forming new memories and recalling previously learned information.
Short-Term Effects Of Alcohol Use On Memory
A person who drinks heavily even once can experience the short-term effects of alcohol on their body and memory. Typically, the body metabolizes one standard drink of alcohol per hour. When someone exceeds this amount, their blood alcohol content rises with each drink and taxes the liver’s ability to process the toxin.
Short-term side effects of heavy alcohol consumption on a person’s memory and cognition may include:
- Trouble concentrating or focusing
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of critical judgment
- Mood swings
- Blackouts
The most significant effect of short-term heavy drinking is the risk of a blackout. During a blackout, a person loses the ability to form short-term memories. While they may continue to act awake and alert, there will be little to no memory of the blackout period.
There are two types of blackouts: partial blackouts and complete blackouts. During a partial blackout, a person may be unable to recall things like the names of people or other information that should be readily available. A complete blackout is when a person cannot remember memories from the segment of time a person is in the blackout.
When a person blacks out, they are essentially experiencing a type of amnesia. Blacking out can be very dangerous and put individuals at an increased risk of injury and even death.
Long-Term Effects Of Alcohol Use On Memory
The short-term effects on your body from drinking alcohol dissipate as the toxin leaves the body. Unfortunately, the long-term effects are not so easy to dismiss. When a person continues to drink a high volume of alcohol for extended periods, the toxin begins to destroy the body slowly. If not stopped, alcohol can critically affect a person’s mental and physical faculties.
Long-term side effects of heavy alcohol consumption on memory and cognition may include:
- Nerve damage
- Long-term memory loss
- Permanent brain damage
- Diminished grey matter in the brain
- Stroke
It is essential to seek help for alcohol addiction. It saves memory and lives.
Getting Help For Alcohol Use And Addiction
Our treatment facilities offer a comprehensive model of care, which includes both traditional and alternative therapies. Patients who attend our treatment centers can benefit from some of the following treatment methodologies:
- Medical detoxification
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Alternative therapy
- Wilderness therapy
- Gender-specific therapy
- Behavioral counseling
- Group counseling
To learn more about the effects of alcohol on memory and to get help for alcohol addiction, contact one of our treatment specialists today.
Contact Vertava Health Today
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact us at 844.470.0410 for more information and how our treatment programs can help you overcome alcohol addiction and prevent memory loss. Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to helping individuals on their journey towards recovery. Don’t let alcoholism control your life any longer.
