Alcohol is legal, common, and readily available. Most homes have some form of liquor in a cabinet, and in many states, alcohol is sold in grocery stores and gas stations. But we also know that despite its use in social settings and celebrations, alcohol is an addictive substance. About 29.8 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder (AUD).1
What happens after prolonged heavy alcohol use? The effects of alcohol on the brain can be complex and damaging. A certain percentage of people who have abused alcohol heavily for many years will develop alcohol-induced dementia. Unlike other forms of dementia, this one will stop progressing when alcohol is no longer being used. How can you stop using alcohol to preserve your brain health and reclaim a life without addiction? Alcohol rehab programs like ours at The Right Step Houston offer support and hope.
What Is Alcohol-Induced Dementia?
Alcohol-induced dementia is a severe form of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), which is caused by excessive alcohol misuse over time.
Alcohol, like other psychoactive drugs, interacts in the brain to create the buzz that even one drink can induce. The more drinks, the more intense the intoxication—all of which is the result of alcohol’s interaction with brain structures and chemicals, such as neurotransmitters. Nerve cells can be damaged or destroyed, and thinking and physical reactions can become slowed or impaired.
Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Dementia
After the onset of alcohol-induced dementia, symptoms are present even during times of the day when no alcohol is present in the body, for example, upon waking up in the morning.
Some of the symptoms of alcohol-related dementia include:
- Memory loss or the inability to lay down new short-term memories
- Poor concentration
- Inability to set and work toward goals
- Issues with decision-making, planning, and problem-solving
- Loss of physical balance
- Inability to manage emotions
- Poor organizational skills
- Lack of motivation
- Cognitive decline
Once you show signs of alcohol-related dementia, it’ll continue to worsen until you stop drinking. When you’re sober, the progression of the dementia will stop.
Alcohol and Memory Loss: Early Signs of Alcohol-Induced Dementia
How do you know if you or someone you love is dealing with this form of ARBD? One of the earliest warning signs is connected to memory.
Progression from mild memory issues to significant memory loss is often swift. Because you’re most likely to forget recent events, important information related to work or family, and names, this memory loss has an immediate and damaging effect on your day-to-day life. It may be difficult to remember what you’re supposed to do each day or how to navigate the tasks of daily living.
Cognitive decline in the later stages of the disease makes it hard to move your body, use language, and recognize once-familiar places and people. Eventually, if drinking continues, you’re likely to require care.
However, the worst of alcohol-induced dementia need not come to pass. Help is available to end the cycle of alcohol addiction.
How Alcohol Addiction Treatment Can Help
As frightening as the effects of heavy drinking are, for those struggling with addiction, trying to quit is often just as scary. The truth is that withdrawal from alcohol can be very difficult and unpleasant. That’s why The Right Step Houton offers medically managed, inpatient detox to help you withdraw from alcohol safely and with as little discomfort and few risks as possible.
Once your body is clear of alcohol, the journey of recovery can begin in earnest. Evidence-based therapies provided by highly trained, experienced, and compassionate mental health providers are critical to your lasting recovery. In addition, skills-based learning, peer support, healthy nutrition, and exercise all play important roles.
Enroll in Alcohol Rehab at The Right Step Houston to Start Your Recovery
Alcohol rehab is the best route you can take toward healing, including putting a stop to the progression of alcohol-induced dementia. If you’re worried about a loved one or realize you have a problem, don’t hesitate. Call The Right Step Houston at 1.844.768.0169 or use our online form to connect.
It’s never too late to seek treatment for the disease of addiction that’s plagued you. You deserve to feel healthy and free from chemical dependence. We’re here to help.
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