Alcohol Reduces Brain Size

Alcohol has long been associated with poor health, but did you know that alcohol also affects brain development? In fact, drinking too much alcohol can affect your memory, concentration, coordination, judgment, and even your ability to walk or stand.

Recent research involving over 36,000 adults proved that shifting alcohol use from one glass to two a day equalled brain aging equivalent to 24 months. If participants were drinking even more than that, the aging of the brain was even worse.

What the Experts Discovered

A team from the University of Pennsylvania, found that light-to-moderate alcohol intake was associated with reductions in overall brain size. The organ’s volume was directly related to the level of alcohol consumption.

For example, going from one unit of alcohol a day to two equalled a two-year aging of the brain, but going from two to three units a day totalled about 3.5 years of aging.

The volunteer participants in the research also replied to surveys on questions regarding their alcohol consumption. Answers varied from complete abstinence to four or five units a day.

Based on these replies, the participants were grouped, and the medical and biological examinations were handled. Those who were consuming zero to one unit a day presented almost no change in the brain structure, but in the other stages – both white and grey matter was affected.

What to Do If You Can’t Stop Drinking?

If you find yourself unable to stop drinking, there is an easy solution. It involves cutting down gradually by drinking less each time. This will help reduce the risk of developing alcoholism and its complications.

So, if you are having trouble stopping drinking, just cut back slowly. Try drinking half as much at first. Then try drinking a quarter of what you used to drink. After a few weeks, you should be able to get by without it completely.

This way, you won’t have to suffer any withdrawal symptoms like those caused by quitting cold turkey. You might feel tired for a while, but this will pass quickly.

In addition, you can take advantage of some natural remedies to assist you in getting through the process. These include herbal teas, such as chamomile tea, which contains anti-anxiety properties. Also, try taking valerian root extract, which helps promote sleep.

You may want to consider trying acupuncture, since it has demonstrated positive results in treating alcoholism. Acupuncture works by stimulating certain points on the body. It is believed that it can activate the release of neurotransmitters that regulate emotions and feelings.

The other way to heal from the effects of alcohol on your system, and stop the progressive harm to your brain matter, is to undergo an alcohol detox.

How Does Alcohol Detox Help?

Alcohol detox is a healthy, controlled way to cleanse your body from any spirits you have consumed. When you go through a safe, medically supervised alcohol detox programme, you will not experience any unpleasant side effects.

Your liver will continue to function normally, allowing it to produce proteins and enzymes necessary for healing. Your body will remove toxins naturally, so you will not need to worry about possible drug interactions.

When you stop using alcohol, you will experience a feeling of euphoria, which is actually a good sign. This means that the alcohol has been removed from your system.

After you finish your alcohol detox programme, you should be well enough to resume normal activities. However, it is important to rest and relax during this period. In fact, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activity until after your alcohol detox is completed.

Experts at UK Home Detox advise to leave several days before and after the procedure, to allow your mind and emotions to settle on the newfound sobriety.

Benefits of Home Detox

Home detox is considered less stressful than hospital treatment because it does not involve being under constant supervision. You do not have to pay for expensive medication or stay long periods of time in a rehabilitation centre.

It also allows you to remain with family members, friends and pets, rather than being isolated in a sterile environment.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to travel far to receive care. Home detox services offer direct communication and can quickly come to assist, so they are convenient.

At-home detox programmes are designed to meet the needs of people who are recovering from addiction problems. They will help you turn your home, the most familiar and comfortable place in your life, into a place to recover from the harmful effects of alcohol, drugs and other substances.

If you suffer from withdrawal symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately. He/she will provide you with instructions regarding how to manage these symptoms. With at-home detoxes, you can trust your doctor to pick up the phone right away, as this is their only concern.

During this period, you must follow all medical recommendations given to you by your physician.

Once you complete your alcohol detox programme, the benefits will last for years. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will never experience the negative consequences of drinking again.