a) Has the alcohol affected your brain?
While I could probably never answer this definitively, I don't think it has. I got out early though, at 23. Drank from 17 till then, the last 4 years daily and non stop.
What I believe did absolutely affect my brain for life was weed. I didn't have the common experience described when people smoke. I had a reality shift, paranoia, anxiety, and panic. I believe that set the stage for the rest of my drinking, and recovery.
b) How do you cope/ Does it ever get remotely fixed?
Yes, mine got fixed. With lots of help. AA, 12 steps, counseling, change of diet, exercise, and learning a whole new set of coping and living skills. Took about 2 years for me to feel like a normal human being. I've learned that as long as I stay fit physically and spiritually, the mental takes care of itself
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Good for you that you realized early in the game that this is NOT a good thing for you. And congratulations.