The consequences of excessive alcohol consumption can be severe, and one of the most concerning effects is the connection between alcohol and memory loss. This can show up in the short term as “blackouts,” where a person wakes up unable to recall what happened the night before, or in the long term, as chronic memory impairment that develops after years of heavy drinking. Both outcomes highlight just how damaging alcohol misuse can be to cognitive health and overall well-being.
At Enlightened Recovery, we understand the impact alcohol has on memory and believe that with the right tools and support, even the most difficult cases of alcohol use disorder can be treated. Our experienced team develops personalized treatment plans that address the unique effects of alcohol misuse while creating a clear path toward recovery.
How Alcohol Addiction Can Lead to Memory Loss
Alcohol can significantly impact cognitive function, often leading to alcohol memory loss that can affect both short-term and long-term brain health. People who engage in binge drinking are more likely to experience alcohol-induced blackouts. Alternatively, people who engage in long-term heavy drinking are more likely to suffer irreversible cognitive damage and memory loss over time.
Fortunately, most memory-related issues can be reversed when longer-term sobriety is maintained. However, it can be difficult for a person to quit drinking heavily without some degree of professional help — especially if they have developed a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. The good news is, Enlightened Recovery is available to help. Our multi-staged recovery program begins with medically monitored detoxification and continues with the next appropriate level of clinical care. Contact us directly to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program.
Short-Term Memory Loss
Short-term memory loss is a common issue among heavy drinkers and is one of the clearest examples of the link between alcohol and memory loss. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines a blackout as “gaps in a person’s memory for events that occurred while they were intoxicated. These gaps happen when a person drinks enough alcohol to temporarily block the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term storage—known as memory consolidation—in a brain area called the hippocampus.”
For most, the risk of blackout begins when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.16% or higher. When a person’s BAC reaches this level, their cognitive functioning declines significantly. They have poor impulse control, a lack of coordination, reduced inhibitions, and a decreased ability to make self-serving decisions.
Long-Term Memory Loss
Long-term alcohol memory loss typically develops as a result of chronic, long-term drinking. There is a distinct connection between excessive drinking and steady cognitive decline, including early-onset dementia. Symptoms associated with alcohol-related dementia include:
- Difficulty completing day-to-day tasks or carrying out standard obligations.
- A loss of memory, which is often marked by confusion and disorientation.
- Sudden and noticeable changes in mood.
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, and agitation.
A study published on the National Library of Medicine titled Alcohol-Related Dementia: An Update of the Evidence states, “It is well established that excessive and prolonged alcohol use can lead to permanent damage to the structure and function of the brain. Autopsy evaluations suggest that up to 78% of individuals with diagnosed alcoholism demonstrate some degree of brain pathology. Neuroimaging and neuropathological evidence show prominent white matter loss (most notable in the prefrontal cortex, corpus callosum, and cerebellum) and neuronal loss in the superior frontal association cortex, hypothalamus, and cerebellum.”
Essentially, individuals who drink heavily for months or years at a time are significantly more susceptible to declined cognitive functioning. Fortunately, the majority of damage done to the brain can be reversed when sobriety is maintained.
How Does Alcohol Affect Memory
The connection between alcohol and memory loss is clear-cut and evidence-based, so how does alcohol affect memory over the short and long term? In addition to short-term memory loss from binge drinking and long-term memory loss from excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption, other memory-related issues can arise. Korsakoff Syndrome, for example, is common among heavy drinkers and those with moderate or severe alcohol use disorders.
The Alzheimer’s Association defines Korsakoff Syndrome as “a chronic memory disorder caused by severe deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B-1). Korsakoff syndrome is most commonly caused by alcohol misuse, but certain other conditions also can cause the syndrome.”
Chronic alcoholics are also at risk of developing a serious condition called “wet brain” or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. It is possible to reverse the effects of wet brain syndrome when it is caught and treated early on. However, the symptoms of this serious and potentially fatal illness can be irreversible.
Why Is Treatment Important?
When a person successfully stops drinking, the physical effects of alcoholism begin to reverse. Healing is generally a slow process that occurs over months or years. Unfortunately, some individuals who drink heavily end up damaging their brains irreparably. Because alcohol use disorder is a chronic and progressive condition, treating it as early as possible leads to the highest chance of recovery. It is never too soon to begin an alcohol addiction recovery journey.
At Enlightened Recovery, we offer several distinct levels of care geared towards helping individuals overcome alcohol addiction and fully recover from the negative effects of alcohol use. The levels of care we provide include:
- Medical Detoxification
- Residential Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
- Outpatient Treatment (OP)
- Personalized Aftercare Planning
Get Help for Alcohol and Memory Loss Today
If you or someone you love has been affected by alcohol and memory loss, our New Jersey alcohol addiction treatment program is here to provide the support you need. We understand that taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate and experienced team will guide you through the admissions process and create a personalized recovery plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today to begin.