Alcohol affects the brain quickly once it enters the bloodstream. The liver breaks down alcohol, but it can only process a limited amount at a time. If a person drinks more than the liver can deal with, alcohol builds up in the blood and affects the brain, causing changes in mood, judgement, coordination and memory.

Long-term Effects

Over a long period, drinking too much alcohol can cause lasting damage to many parts of the body, including the brain, heart and liver. Heavy drinking affects the chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters, and can damage brain cells. People who drink heavily over many years may also not get enough nutrients, which can cause further damage. Find out more about What is Korsakoff Syndrome at a site like https://www.arbdcare.co.uk/what-is-korsakoff-syndrome/

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

One type of alcohol-related brain damage is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is caused by a lack of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, which is common in people who drink heavily.

It has two parts. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a sudden and serious condition that needs urgent medical treatment. Symptoms can include:

• confusion and disorientation that continues after being drunk
• problems with balance and walking
• unusual eye movements or difficulty moving the eyes

If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to Korsakoff’s syndrome, a longer-term condition that mainly affects memory, especially the ability to form new memories, as well as judgement and reasoning.

Getting Help

If you are worried about your drinking or someone else’s, speak to your GP. Help and support are available, and stopping drinking and getting the right treatment can prevent further damage.

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