How Long Do the Effects of Alcohol Consumption Last on the Brain?

Bloodstream

After consuming alcohol, many factors determine its overall effect, including the amount and frequency of drinking, family medical history and age. However, in all cases, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and is quickly absorbed by the brain.

Immediate Effects

Alcohol debilitates several regions of the brain, most prominently the occipital, cerebellum and temporal lobes, which control vision, balance and hearing, respectively. These effects are often apparent immediately, and a high level of consumption in a short time (termed "binge" drinking) can lead to blackouts due to the quick increase in the blood alcohol level.

Long-Term Effects

Alcohol can have several long-term effects on heavy, or even moderate, drinkers. Over time, exposure to alcohol increases the activity of neurotransmitters that are active during consumption. Brain cells can change to compensate for the increase in alcohol, so a tolerance to a small amount of alcohol can develop. However, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, long-term exposure to alcohol can also result in brain shrinkage, thiamine deficiency or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a disease that causes, among other things, severe short- and long-term memory loss. The long-term effects are even more dire for the children of expectant mothers, since drinking while pregnant can cause the baby to develop a smaller brain with fewer neurons. This can lead to many other brain disorders later in life.

References

• Effects of Alcohol
• How Does Alcohol Affect Your Brain?
• Alcohol's Damaging Effects on the Brain

Resources

• Alcohol Chemistry and You