The Effects of Alcoholism on the Brain
Have you ever stopped to think about the effects alcoholism can have on the human brain? Alcohol abuse can result in both short term and long term negative effects in the brain of the user. Knowing the symptoms of brain impairment can help you understand what’s going on in the body, and how the continued abuse of this substance can damage such a vital, complex organ over time.
Short-Term Effects of Alcoholism
A known effect related to brain impairment is the gaps in memory that may begin to occur; this is a result of disruptions in neurotransmitters. These are recognizable characteristics that friends or family can easily notice. Additional effects can include decreased coordination, slower reflexes, slurred speech and a lack of concentration. Again, these qualities may seem obvious to someone observing from the outside, but the person abusing the substance may not be aware of anything wrong.