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Alcohol is a socially acceptable substance despite the fact that many people are dependent on it. However, long term excessive drinking can be harmful to the body and the brain.
Some people use alcohol as a way to relax after a long day with the children, or when they get home from a stressful day at work. It has long been the belief that moderate drinking is safe and can even be good for you, but recent studies have shown that just three alcoholic drinks per day can be enough to cause liver damage. Nonetheless, what affect does alcohol have on the brain?
How Alcohol Affects the Brain
Many individuals drink to make themselves feel better. For some, alcohol can induce a positive mood. However, others drink simply to mask the mental health problems they are suffering from, such as anxiety and depression.
Alcohol affects the brain’s balance of chemicals and, as such, in the long term, it can disrupt this balance, causing mental health issues such as paranoia. While initially it may make people feel less anxious and more confident, the more alcohol that is consumed, the greater the effect on the brain. When a person drinks large quantities of alcohol, it is not uncommon for the feelings of pleasure to be replaced with feelings of aggression and anger. Some people will feel depressed and paranoid. Therefore, instead of masking the feelings of anxiety and depression, too much alcohol can exacerbate them.
Alcohol Alters Behaviour
Alcohol can also alter the way individuals respond to certain situations. Something that may not bother a sober person could contribute to a completely different reaction when that same person is under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol affects inhibitions and decision-making and many find that they take greater risks while intoxicated.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism affects a large number of people all over the UK. What was once a social activity develops into something that cannot be controlled. It has been shown that those who drink heavily are much more likely to develop conditions such as anxiety or depression than those who drink moderately.
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s pleasure receptors, often being associated with reward. After a while, the brain comes to expect alcohol and, as a result, the body becomes tolerant to the substance. When this happens, the person will require more and more alcohol to get the desired effect; pretty soon, they have developed an alcohol addiction.
Because of the way that alcohol affects the brain, there are a number of knock-on effects to contend with as well. Those who suffer from alcoholism may behave differently towards loved ones, which can cause a breakdown in relationships.
Alcoholics often cannot function without a drink and this could affect their work life. Many people who suffer from alcohol addiction will find themselves out of work because they cannot do their job properly anymore.
Getting Help
Many alcoholics are in denial about their problem. They believe that they can stop drinking whenever they want and may believe that their loved ones are making a bigger deal of it than is necessary.
Admitting that you are suffering from an addiction can be tough but it is the only way to move forward and beat your demons. Thankfully, there are many treatments available for those suffering from alcohol addiction and Rehab Helper can help you find them.
For information on the various treatments available as well as help accessing them, contact Rehab Helper’s expert advisors today. We will provide you with a free assessment of your situation as well as a free referral to the most suitable provider based on your circumstances.
