Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Specific Effects on the Brain

Addiction and especially alcohol addiction affects the brain nerve system

The most sensitive organs of the body is the brain it controls the whole functions of the body and when it stops life also stops and the bearer dies. Because of its sensitivity it must be protected and defended from any harm to that may come to it either internally or externally. It is because of this background that we want to discuss how certain substances can affect the brain and the possible precautions to keep it in its perfect operational state.    Alcohol and specifically ethanol is a central nervous system depressant that has a range of side effects on the body and brain.

We are focusing on the brain because while other cells within the human body has the ability to regenerate, brain cell do not regenerate. Alcohol affects the brain in many ways some include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption over period of time can lead to problems with cognition and memory.
• Alcohol contracts the brain tissue and depresses the central nervous system.
• Alcohol destroys the brain cells.
• When alcohol reaches the brain, it interferes with communication between nerve cells by interacting with cell receptors.
• The alcohol suppresses excitable nerve pathway activity.
• Among other actions, alcohol enhances the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, thus causing a person to become sluggish.
• Alcohol weakens the excitable neurotransmitter glutamine, which adds to sluggish tendencies.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Cerebral Cortex

I believe that you have come across somebody who has drunk alcohol and that you can a test to the fact that under the influence of alcohol such a person’s brain functions shifts dramatically. It is the cerebral cortex that senses shift of thought and initiate voluntary muscle movements. Alcohol will then affects the cerebral cortex in many ways like:

• Negative effect on thoughts or thinking processes which in many times lead to poor judgment by the victim.
• Lowers inhibitions. When this happens the victim becomes too talkative, portrays false sense of confidence that can only last while still under the influence of alcohol and disappears as soon as the consumer is sober.
• With increasing blood alcohol levels (BAC), all of the above become increasingly pronounced

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Limbic System

Limbic system primary function is majorly to control memory and state of emotion. There is always serious memory lose among most people consuming alcohol alongside the experience of an exaggerated state of emotion. It should be noted that limbic system consists of the hippocampus and the septal regions which are the easy targets of alcohol.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Cerebellum

• The primary function of cerebellum is the coordination of muscle movement which is a soft spot for alcohol abuse.
• The excessive consumption of alcohol reduces the effective coordination of the muscles and motor skills are reduced.
• In most cases when the coordination of muscles is affected then the individual may lose balance and can even fall down.
• The difference between cortex and cerebellum is that cortex initiates muscle movement while cerebellum creates nerve impulses which control ones balance and body movements.
• Additional parts of the brain affected by alcohol are the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
• Increased alcohol consumption can cause increased sexual desires.
• Alcohol depresses the nerve centers in the hypothalamus that determine sexual arousal and performance so despite this increased sexual desire, the consumer actual sexual performance may decline.
• It infiltrates the pituitary gland by inhibiting secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which effects urine excretion.
• ADH works with the kidneys to reabsorb toxins in the body. When inhibited, ADH levels drop and reduce the kidney’s ability to reabsorb water necessary to produce a healthy amount of urine. This malady can cause problems on a sexual level.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

• Additional parts of the brain affected by alcohol are the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
• Increased alcohol consumption can cause increased sexual desires.
• Alcohol depresses the nerve centers in the hypothalamus that determine sexual arousal and performance so despite this increased sexual desire, the consumer actual sexual performance may decline.
• It infiltrates the pituitary gland by inhibiting secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which effects urine excretion.

ADH works with the kidneys to reabsorb toxins in the body. When inhibited, ADH levels drop and reduce the kidney’s ability to reabsorb water necessary to produce a healthy amount of urine. This malady can cause problems on a sexual level

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Medulla

• This is the part of the brain that influences the functions of the body that takes place automatically like the heartbeat, body temperature and breathing.
• Alcohol will affect this section by causing the person to feel sleepy.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol will not only cause the person to be unconscious but can also be very fatal.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Most side effects from alcohol occur after drinking just one time. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption practiced in excess over an extended period of time can create much more serious problems for the brain than minor infractions. For example, if an individual develops an addiction to alcohol, their chances of developing a thiamine deficiency are doubled. In more severe or advanced cases of alcohol dependency, a brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), also known as “wet brain”, may develop. WKS is a disease that consists of two different syndromes. The first is a short-lived and severe condition called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and the second is a long-lasting critical condition known as Korsakoff’s psychosis. Symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy include mental confusion, paralysis of nerves behind the eyeballs, and decreased motor function.

In addition to Wernicke’s encephalopathy it is believed that approximately 80 to 90 percent of alcoholics will also develop Korsakoff’s psychosis, a chronic and debilitating syndrome characterized by persistent learning and memory problems. Patients suffering from Korsakoff’s psychosis are forgetful, quickly frustrated and have difficulty with walking and coordination. Despite having difficulty remembering information from the alcoholic’s past, it is their struggle retaining new information that is most striking. For example, an individual may be able to discuss an event in their lives with great detail, but an hour later forgets ever having the conversation.

In conclusion alcohol is a toxin that destructs the human body in high doses and over time. It has a risk of addiction or dependency. It impairs judgment and shifts the body’s originating physicality caution should be exercised when and if consumption of alcoholic beverages is involved. You now know the consequences of alcohol addiction and more so to the brain. Do not let this bring you down if it is already a problem in your life there is help around you at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care where focus is on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. You need your brain to live and alcohol cannot be the reasons why you’re losing it reach out for help and from the experts.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Specific Effects on the Brain