Do you enjoy an occasional glass of wine or a weekend drink with friends? You are not alone. Studies show that more than 84% of adults consume alcohol at some point in their lives. While drinking in moderation might seem harmless, doctors warn that alcohol has a lasting impact on the brain, and the effects become more serious with regular or heavy use. We got in touch with Dr Amlan Tapan Mohapatra, Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar who told us more about the same.How Alcohol Affects the Brain and Nervous SystemAlcohol influences the entire nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. In small amounts, it slows down brain activity, causing relaxation or mild drowsiness. But when consumed frequently or in large quantities, alcohol can damage nerve cells and disrupt communication between them. Dr Amlan Tapan Mohapatra told us, “Over time, this can affect memory, coordination, mood, and behavior.”Neurologists classify alcohol-related brain problems into two groups — acute and chronic conditions. Acute effects occur suddenly, often during or soon after heavy drinking. One example is Wernicke’s encephalopathy, caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). It leads to confusion, poor coordination, and abnormal eye movements. If left untreated, it can progress to Korsakoff psychosis, a permanent condition marked by memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality.Other short-term complications include alcohol-induced seizures and delirium tremens, which can trigger intense confusion, hallucinations, and restlessness during withdrawal.Long-Term Damage to the Brain and MusclesDr Amlan Tapan Mohapatra told us that with continued drinking, chronic neurological disorders may develop. Alcoholic neuropathy is one such condition that damages peripheral nerves, causing burning pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many people experience difficulty walking, balancing, or even holding small objects.Alcohol can also damage muscle fibers, leading to alcoholic myopathy, which results in muscle weakness and gradual loss of strength. In some cases, prolonged alcohol abuse causes cerebellar degeneration, a condition that impairs coordination and balance, often leading to tremors and frequent falls.Long-term use of alcohol also raises the risk of stroke and dementia, both of which severely affect memory and cognitive function. Another rare but serious disorder linked to heavy alcohol consumption is Marchiafava–Bignami disease, which leads to the thinning and wasting of brain tissue. Symptoms may include difficulty walking, slurred speech, poor memory, and unpredictable behavior.Why Moderation Isn’t Always SafeDr Amlan Tapan Mohapatra stress that there is no truly “safe” amount of alcohol for the brain. Even moderate drinking can interfere with sleep, attention, and decision-making. Over time, these effects accumulate, contributing to cognitive decline and neurological disorders.To protect brain health, doctors recommend reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially B1), and seeking early medical support if symptoms such as confusion, imbalance, or numbness develop.While alcohol may offer a brief sense of relaxation, the long-term cost to brain function and mental clarity is often too high. The healthiest choice, neurologists agree, is moderation, or better yet, abstinence.
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