One effect of chronic alcoholism is the damage that long-term heavy alcohol consumption does to the brain.
Certain regions in the brains of alcoholics shrink, creating lesions that result in deficits in brain function.
Alcohol can also cause damage to the white matter of the brain.
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People with alcohol use disorder who relapse tend to have decreased white matter.
Neuroinflammation is also thought to be a key part of the brain changes that occur with alcohol use disorders.
Research also suggests that nutritional deficiencies because of alcohol use can also have an effect on the brain.
Circuitry Deficits Compound the Problem
Research has shown that alcohol use disorder results in circuitry volume deficits.
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“Manifestations of Early Brain Recovery Associated With Abstinence From Alcoholism.
