A Timeline for the Restoration of Cognitive Abilities after Quitting Alcohol

Alcohol also dulls sensory uptake, so it might be difficult to take in new information. Brain fog is a term used to describe cognitive difficulties, such as trouble with focus, memory, and thinking. It’s often characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, or a lack of mental clarity.

What Does Alcohol Do to Your Body?

If you’re wondering how to get rid of alcohol-induced “brain fog,” it may be time to seek professional treatment. Professional treatment can help you stop drinking and regain control of your life. The trouble, Dr. Krishnan points out, is that long-haulers and people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 often also experience other symptoms that can lead to brain fog.

Binge Drinking Vs Alcohol Addiction: How do I know when It’s getting out of hand?

Abstinence can often reverse the harm that drinking may do to the brain. Seeking treatment and maintaining sobriety is essential to prevent relapse and keep your cognitive function on the rise. One effective alcohol addiction treatment is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Aim for a Balanced Diet

You may find relief by improving your diet and sleep regimen, adding creativity to your daily life, and taking proper (phoneless!) breaks throughout the day. Research from 2015 has shown that exercise may relieve chronic pain and fatigue. But that’s not all — a 2021 study suggests it can also distract us from upsetting thoughts and a 2017 study notes that it can aid in emotional regulation after a stressful event. Treats like candy and chips can provide an immediate brain boost, but sticking to a balanced diet will help you perform more consistently throughout the day. MacKinnon says that because there are so many different factors related to brain fog, there’s no one-size-fits-all way of treating it.

• Another study noted that people are generally less alert when they’re hungover.
• Plus, we have such easy access to them, which is what makes them so addictive.
• It can lead to cognitive impairments such as memory loss, poor concentration, and difficulty with decision-making.
• This is because acupuncture can help to improve blood circulation and reduce stress levels.
• Walking is an excellent form of exercise that has many benefits for brain health.

Get plenty of sleep

Blackouts are gaps in a person’s memory of events that occurred while they were intoxicated. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment alcohol withdrawal brain fog to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Long-term heavy drinking causes alterations in the neurons, such as reductions in their size. Heavy drinking slows the cerebral cortex, which takes in and processes new information in your brain.

Direct effects of alcohol on the brain

• In fact, research has shown that people who are exposed to more sunlight have a lower risk of developing depression.
• A healthy withdrawal program can help you detoxify your body and brain from the harmful effects of alcohol, and generally start your addiction treatment journey.