New Study Suggest Alcoholism Can Cause Brain Damage

Many of the effects of alcoholism have been heavily documented liver and kidney damage

in particular but recent studies suggest that alcoholism can impact the brain and actually damage certain areas of the brain.

In a recent study comparing newly-sober, recovering alcoholics to people who did not abuse alcohol, researchers discovered that certain areas of the brain were impaired in the newly-sober group. These areas of the brain included the cerebellum, the area of the brain responsible for movement, learning, cognitive thinking, and even judgment.

Specifically, the study found that alcohol weakened the relationship between the frontal lobe of the brain and cerebellar activity. This was measured by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and engaging the individuals in a variety of exercises. Another area of the brain suspected to be weakened in individuals recovering from alcoholism, the prefrontal and premotor cortex, did not show a difference between the newly-sober individuals and sober individuals.

Impaired cerebellar activity can negatively affect balance, cognitive function, learning, and reaction times. The frontal lobe of the brain is responsible for judgment, which may suggest some of the compulsive behavior linked to binge drinking. It also plays a role in motor function, speech, and memory.

While the results of the study are startling, there is some thought that the brain can recover from the damage. Supplementation with thiamine is suggested. People who suffer from alcoholism have been found to have deficiencies in thiamine, most likely due to poor diet. People who suffer from mental illnesses have also been found to suffer from thiamine deficiencies. You can either supplement with a pill or a by taking in sufficient amounts of meats, poultry, grains, cereals, and nuts.

While more research still needs to be done to determine if, in fact, the brain can recover from alcoholism and regain normal cognitive function, the results are promising. Supplementation with thiamine, as well as fish oil, a multivitamin, and vitamin D, can help the brain cope with depression and other side effects that accompany alcoholism recovery.

While medical help should be sought in the recovery of alcoholism, psychological counseling plays an equally important role. A licensed mental health counselor can help determine underlying issues that may be the cause of the alcoholism and help you address those issues. A professional can also help you development coping strategies so that when cravings arise, you can resist the temptation to drink and stay on track with your plan for sobriety. Contact your local drug and alcohol rehab center for more information.

by: Laine McKenna

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