Alcohol and the Brain
Few clinicians need to be reminded: Excessive alcohol consumption can have disastrous health consequences. Heavy use is associated with increased risk for injury; spousal or child abuse; risky sexual practices; and serious medical consequences, such as liver disease, hypertension, and gastrointestinal cancers. Chronic excessive alcohol use can wreak particular havoc on the brain, increasing the risk for dementia, stroke, and psychosocial impairment.[1] But mild to moderate consumption* has been linked to various health benefits, including many with implications for the brain. Based primarily on Medscape Medical News coverage and expert opinion, this slideshow examines recent data on the effects of alcohol on the brain. But first, let's review the stats on alcohol use in the United States.