Alcohol can impair an individual’s motor andcognitive abilities.
This occurs while a person is drinking.
It can also createlonger-term impairmentsthat persist even after a person is no longer intoxicated.
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Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption can cause reductions in both white andgray brain matter, leading to brain shrinkage.
How Alcohol Affects Families
Alcohol use can have a serious negative effect on close relationships.
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It is also important to manage your expectations.
Recovery from alcohol addiction is a process that takes time and may involve setbacks.
Effective treatments are available, and your provider can advise on next steps.
Your provider canprescribe medicationsthat can help people stop drinking and help withsymptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
They can also recommend treatment programs that may help with detox and recovery.
Unfortunately, many people are not aware that there are medications available to help treat alcohol use disorder.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
American Society of Addiction Medicine.Definition of addiction.
Stavro K, Pelletier J, Potvin S.Widespread and sustained cognitive deficits in alcoholism: a meta-analysis.Addict Biol.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.What Is Substance Abuse Treatment?
A Booklet for Families.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.Alcohol use in families.
2021;78(8).
