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The Impacts of Drugs on the Brain (Alcohol) Department of Psychology, Grand Canyon University PSY 102: General Psychology 2 The Impacts of Alcohol on the Brain Alcohol impacts a person’s ability to think normally. It directly effects a person’s mental state and can affect one’s mood or the environment that they are in. When alcohol is consumed, the communication pathways within your brain are being interfered and effects how your brain processes information. This can ultimately lead to making poor decisions, ones that you would not normally make, feeling more anxious or depressed, clumsiness, trouble concentrating and more. The overall long-term effect that alcohol holds on the brain can be cancer, worsening of mental health conditions, poor memory and brain damage, and the feeling of needing to drink more to get a positive effect. “Research shows a relationship between people who are dependent on alcohol and increased mental health issues. People with mental health issues may also drink more alcohol to self-medicate. Although alcohol might feel like it relieves symptoms of anxiety or depression in the short term, it is more likely to lead to longer-term anxiety and depression.” (Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 2024).
What Is Alcohol? What is Alcohol? Alcohol is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages traveling between the brain and the body (Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 2024). Alcohol is typically drunk in the form of beer, wine, spirits, cider and hard liquor or # proof. Alcohol is a substance that is used around the world daily almost by anyone of the age 21+ (in some countries, 18 +). It has become the “normal” to come home from a day of work, go out to a meal, sit by the pool, go on vacation and have a drink in hand. Alcohol will affect a person depending on their weight, height, health and amount consumed.
potentially putting you in harm’s way and ultimately effecting your overall health both short and long term. Aspects of Addiction Alcohol has taken over many people’s lives and has become the norm in most people’s day to day lives and social events. It is often that drinking is involved and brought up right away at a social event so much that it has even become addicting. “In 2021, 29.5 million Americans aged 12 or older met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder.” (Mosel, 2024). When alcohol is misused, it can result in blackouts, nausea, vomiting, stupor or coma, sweating, tachycardia, and more. The chronic use of alcohol can lead to physical and emotional dependence on alcohol use, which means the persons, brain and body have adopted to functioning with the use of alcohol, and now rely on it to function “normally”. Signs of withdrawal may include anxiety, agitation, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, nightmares, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures ((Mosel, 2024). Other behaviors that could indicate alcohol misuse would be mood changes, depression, anxiety, aggressiveness, impaired judgment, poor social functioning, troubles, driving, suicidal behavior, neglecting of personal care and more. Conclusion Alcohol has a major impact on the brain, affecting cognitive function, decision-making, and overall emotional well-being. While it may initially have the intention of offering relaxation or relief from stress, its long-term consequences can be severe. From impairing neural pathways to increasing the risk of mental health disorders, alcohol alters the brain in ways that can lead to dependency and addiction. As research suggests, individuals who rely on alcohol to cope with
anxiety or depression may find themselves in a cycle of worsening mental health conditions. Additionally, alcohol’s effects on perception, sensation, and consciousness can pose immediate risks, such as impaired judgment and coordination, potentially leading to dangerous situations or leading to addiction. Recognizing the dangers of alcohol misuse is essential in promoting healthier habits and reducing the risks of long-term cognitive impairment. While alcohol is deeply ingrained in social culture, understanding its effects can help individuals make informed decisions about their consumption. By prioritizing mental and physical well-being, individuals can break free from the harmful patterns of alcohol dependence and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
