Brain Cells Rebound With Alcohol Abstinence
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 91
Brain Cells Rebound With Alcohol Abstinence
I found this very interesting....
"Alcoholism damages brain structure and function. Alcoholics have impairments in the ability to reason, plan or remember.... and a difficulty in ability to understand negative consequences. ...damage to frontal lobe.
However, studies have shown the brain can start to repair itself after an alcoholic ceases to consume alcohol. There is a pronounced increase in new brain cells within four-to-five weeks of abstinence. This included a twofold burst in brain cell proliferation at day seven of abstinence."
Additionally, exercise can help a recovering alcoholic speed brain cell regeneration to repair damage done by alcoholism.
From these articles:
Brain Cells Rebound With Alcohol Abstinence
New Brain Cells Develop During Alcohol Abstinence, UNC Study Shows
Could Exercise Regenerate Alcohol-Damaged Neurons? ? Psychiatric News
"Alcoholism damages brain structure and function. Alcoholics have impairments in the ability to reason, plan or remember.... and a difficulty in ability to understand negative consequences. ...damage to frontal lobe.
However, studies have shown the brain can start to repair itself after an alcoholic ceases to consume alcohol. There is a pronounced increase in new brain cells within four-to-five weeks of abstinence. This included a twofold burst in brain cell proliferation at day seven of abstinence."
Additionally, exercise can help a recovering alcoholic speed brain cell regeneration to repair damage done by alcoholism.
From these articles:
Brain Cells Rebound With Alcohol Abstinence
New Brain Cells Develop During Alcohol Abstinence, UNC Study Shows
Could Exercise Regenerate Alcohol-Damaged Neurons? ? Psychiatric News
Belgian Sheepdog Adictee
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: In Today
Posts: 6,101
Oh absolutely!!!!!
My Neurologist has used my case in two papers he has written. He has my brain scans from my early recovery and then those through the years to now. I have parts of my brain that are being used that are 'normally' not used at all and I have parts of my brain that are 'normally' used that are dead.
Over the years my brain has built 'new pathways' to rectify what I destroyed during all those years of drugs and alcohol.
Yes, it is possible. I was a fully functioning sober contributing member of society holding down a pretty darn good job until other physical ailments (many also a direct result of my years of alcohol and drug use) made me unable to work.
The brain can recover. The liver can heal to a certain degree depending on the amout of abuse. May not end up at 200% but most of us can live comfortably with a much lower percentage of liver function.
There are many parts of the body that can repair, PROVIDING we remove ALL alcohol and drugs, and continue to abstain.
Every day they find out more and more about not only the damage we do but the repairs that can happen.
Thank you for starting this thread.
Love and hugs,
My Neurologist has used my case in two papers he has written. He has my brain scans from my early recovery and then those through the years to now. I have parts of my brain that are being used that are 'normally' not used at all and I have parts of my brain that are 'normally' used that are dead.
Over the years my brain has built 'new pathways' to rectify what I destroyed during all those years of drugs and alcohol.
Yes, it is possible. I was a fully functioning sober contributing member of society holding down a pretty darn good job until other physical ailments (many also a direct result of my years of alcohol and drug use) made me unable to work.
The brain can recover. The liver can heal to a certain degree depending on the amout of abuse. May not end up at 200% but most of us can live comfortably with a much lower percentage of liver function.
There are many parts of the body that can repair, PROVIDING we remove ALL alcohol and drugs, and continue to abstain.
Every day they find out more and more about not only the damage we do but the repairs that can happen.
Thank you for starting this thread.
Love and hugs,
Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 70
Originally Posted by Drk 
I did. For three months I felt insane, and with each passing week now I feel, well smarter, as weird as that sounds.
Musicians and other artists may also vouch for this. Contrary to popular belief, addiction to does not make you a better artist. More desperate and honest subject matter, perhaps, but not a better artist. I often get angry that so many raging addicts - writers in particular - are lionized when they were probably only functioning at a third of their potential.
9/15/08
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: midwest
Posts: 257
@ nola
I often get angry that so many raging addicts - writers in particular - are lionized when they were probably only functioning at a third of their potential.
I posted on this a while back. I used to get pissy when I heard about writers, poets, and musicians being lauded because of their addiction.
I've jsut learned to think of it as 'yeah, think how much better they would've been sober!'
I often get angry that so many raging addicts - writers in particular - are lionized when they were probably only functioning at a third of their potential.
I posted on this a while back. I used to get pissy when I heard about writers, poets, and musicians being lauded because of their addiction.
I've jsut learned to think of it as 'yeah, think how much better they would've been sober!'
Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 70
Originally Posted by Overman
@ nola
I often get angry that so many raging addicts - writers in particular - are lionized when they were probably only functioning at a third of their potential.
I posted on this a while back. I used to get pissy when I heard about writers, poets, and musicians being lauded because of their addiction.
I've jsut learned to think of it as 'yeah, think how much better they would've been sober!'
I often get angry that so many raging addicts - writers in particular - are lionized when they were probably only functioning at a third of their potential.
I posted on this a while back. I used to get pissy when I heard about writers, poets, and musicians being lauded because of their addiction.
I've jsut learned to think of it as 'yeah, think how much better they would've been sober!'
same planet...different world
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, America
Posts: 10,946
I know certain people who aren't going to get function back.
It took me a while torealize that this is what they described as 'wet brain' in the BB.
Lemme tellya:
it's scarier'n hell to witness first hand.
so yea, the brin can and does repair
it can even find wnew pathways they didn't even think possible
before somebody up and does it....
but that's not the story for everyone.
It took me a while torealize that this is what they described as 'wet brain' in the BB.
Lemme tellya:
it's scarier'n hell to witness first hand.
so yea, the brin can and does repair
it can even find wnew pathways they didn't even think possible
before somebody up and does it....
but that's not the story for everyone.
Is it hot here or am I crazy?
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Planet Zirchon 9 (which is near Milwaukee, WI.)
Posts: 38
I love this topic. Many people don't view the brain as an 'organ' and the mind (your thought process) as being a function of this organ.
My brain had become so accustomed to functioning with alcohol, that it freaked out when I stopped feeding it to it. I had a lot of physical health issues for the first six months of sobriety (sleep disorder, higher blood pressure, lack of appetite). My mind was not accustomed to working without alcohol either (frustration, confusion, overly emotional, no cognition of time elapsing). It took me close to 1 year before my mind and body began to function in sober unison.
I have found that the mind must be exercised just like a muscle. It is so important for a recovered alcoholic/addict to learn new knowledge (reading) or get involved with a creative hobby - something that requires manual dexterity. Music, painting, writing.
Once I learned how to "learn" my mind/body recovery became a joy. Temptation still haunts and lurks - but I would never exchange my learning abilities ever again just for a buzz.
My brain had become so accustomed to functioning with alcohol, that it freaked out when I stopped feeding it to it. I had a lot of physical health issues for the first six months of sobriety (sleep disorder, higher blood pressure, lack of appetite). My mind was not accustomed to working without alcohol either (frustration, confusion, overly emotional, no cognition of time elapsing). It took me close to 1 year before my mind and body began to function in sober unison.
I have found that the mind must be exercised just like a muscle. It is so important for a recovered alcoholic/addict to learn new knowledge (reading) or get involved with a creative hobby - something that requires manual dexterity. Music, painting, writing.
Once I learned how to "learn" my mind/body recovery became a joy. Temptation still haunts and lurks - but I would never exchange my learning abilities ever again just for a buzz.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 91
I read in another article (that I can't find now) that the damage to the frontal lobe has an effect on the person's impulse control. It said within the first 3 months of sobriety, this area is significantly repaired. The article said the researchers thought the AA concept of "90 meetings in 90 days" is a great approach while this area heals.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 102
Originally Posted by LBW
I read in another article (that I can't find now) that the damage to the frontal lobe has an effect on the person's impulse control. It said within the first 3 months of sobriety, this area is significantly repaired. The article said the researchers thought the AA concept of "90 meetings in 90 days" is a great approach while this area heals.
I remember reading that somewhere. Not sure if it was from one of the recent books I read on recovery or an online article. Talk about not remember lol
Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: peterborough Cambs U.K
Posts: 172
i hope my 'brain damage' will repair itself, as i find it really frustrating to want to say something and it will come out all wrong, for instance if i want to say the word 'cooker' it will come out as 'computer' i only get the first letter right,also my short term memory is not brilliant but better than it was,
Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 13
Great topic.
This is the most thing that causes me anxiety. The thought of losing my braincells and mind.
I used to be quite sharp and have a good memory but recently I find it difficult to think and solve even the slightest problems which causes me stress and loss of confidence.
It is nice to know I will get some of this 'cleverness' back after sometime.. its still early days for me (1 week)
This is the most thing that causes me anxiety. The thought of losing my braincells and mind.
I used to be quite sharp and have a good memory but recently I find it difficult to think and solve even the slightest problems which causes me stress and loss of confidence.
It is nice to know I will get some of this 'cleverness' back after sometime.. its still early days for me (1 week)
Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 15
Originally Posted by LBW
I found this very interesting....
"Alcoholism damages brain structure and function. Alcoholics have impairments in the ability to reason, plan or remember.... and a difficulty in ability to understand negative consequences. ...damage to frontal lobe.
However, studies have shown the brain can start to repair itself after an alcoholic ceases to consume alcohol. There is a pronounced increase in new brain cells within four-to-five weeks of abstinence. This included a twofold burst in brain cell proliferation at day seven of abstinence."
Additionally, exercise can help a recovering alcoholic speed brain cell regeneration to repair damage done by alcoholism.
From these articles:
Brain Cells Rebound With Alcohol Abstinence
New Brain Cells Develop During Alcohol Abstinence, UNC Study Shows
Could Exercise Regenerate Alcohol-Damaged Neurons? ? Psychiatric News
"Alcoholism damages brain structure and function. Alcoholics have impairments in the ability to reason, plan or remember.... and a difficulty in ability to understand negative consequences. ...damage to frontal lobe.
However, studies have shown the brain can start to repair itself after an alcoholic ceases to consume alcohol. There is a pronounced increase in new brain cells within four-to-five weeks of abstinence. This included a twofold burst in brain cell proliferation at day seven of abstinence."
Additionally, exercise can help a recovering alcoholic speed brain cell regeneration to repair damage done by alcoholism.
From these articles:
Brain Cells Rebound With Alcohol Abstinence
New Brain Cells Develop During Alcohol Abstinence, UNC Study Shows
Could Exercise Regenerate Alcohol-Damaged Neurons? ? Psychiatric News
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Methuen, MA
Posts: 99
When I was in my second month of no alcohol a friend told me that I can look forward to a much clearer mind after 90 days. And, right around 90 days or so, I was surprised at how much the fog lifted, seemingly overnight. And, since then my thinking has increasingly been sharper and quicker to the point of amazing myself. At nearly 4 months now it seems like I've hit a plateau, but I can't be happier with my recovered brain power...
Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Tx
Posts: 99
Coming up on 2 months,my mind is still short circuiting and easily overloaded with simple tasks. Short term memory is still shot! If my ears would stop ringing,might be able to think again,grrrrr! I have to write stuff down and my mind just feels exausted. I can spell the word Dog now,so thats good news. Hope the fog will lift soon!
Ron
Ron
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Methuen, MA
Posts: 99
Originally Posted by rondfw777
Coming up on 2 months,my mind is still short circuiting and easily overloaded with simple tasks. Short term memory is still shot! If my ears would stop ringing,might be able to think again,grrrrr! I have to write stuff down and my mind just feels exausted. I can spell the word Dog now,so thats good news. Hope the fog will lift soon!
Ron
Ron
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Hmm...
Barb mentioned "wet brain" and she is correct.
That can not be overcome with abstinence.
And....
While many people do find the concept of 90 & 90
useful.....it did not come from AA.
The AA program can be found in the first
164 pages of the vook Alcoholics Anonymous.
In treatment centers....behavoral researchers came
up with the idea that it takes 90 days to change
a habit. I'm not saying that is true or not....I
I am saying it did not come from AA.
Sucessful long term abstinence. does not necessarily require meetings..
We have SR members who are shining examples
of recovery without meetings of any formal program...
Barb mentioned "wet brain" and she is correct.
That can not be overcome with abstinence.
What is wet brain ---
Dr. James West, Betty Ford Center
"Good question. The term wet brain refers to a very real condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This chronic brain syndrome is caused by long-term alcoholism and is accompanied by a triad of symptoms: 1) mental disturbance; 2) confusion, drowsiness and paralysis of eye movements; and 3) ataxia or a staggering gait. A primary cause for this is a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency due to severe malnutrition and poor intestinal absorption of food and vitamins caused by alcohol. The person with wet brain acts much like the Alzheimer’s victim with loss of recent memory, disorientation with regard to time and place, confusion and confabulation, or telling imagined and untrue experiences as truth. If wet brain is identified in its early onset, an infusion of thiamine (B1) may help. Unfortunately, there is no recovery from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Therefore, it is one of the most tragic consequences of alcoholism."
Dr. James West, Betty Ford Center
"Good question. The term wet brain refers to a very real condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This chronic brain syndrome is caused by long-term alcoholism and is accompanied by a triad of symptoms: 1) mental disturbance; 2) confusion, drowsiness and paralysis of eye movements; and 3) ataxia or a staggering gait. A primary cause for this is a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency due to severe malnutrition and poor intestinal absorption of food and vitamins caused by alcohol. The person with wet brain acts much like the Alzheimer’s victim with loss of recent memory, disorientation with regard to time and place, confusion and confabulation, or telling imagined and untrue experiences as truth. If wet brain is identified in its early onset, an infusion of thiamine (B1) may help. Unfortunately, there is no recovery from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Therefore, it is one of the most tragic consequences of alcoholism."
While many people do find the concept of 90 & 90
useful.....it did not come from AA.
The AA program can be found in the first
164 pages of the vook Alcoholics Anonymous.
In treatment centers....behavoral researchers came
up with the idea that it takes 90 days to change
a habit. I'm not saying that is true or not....I
I am saying it did not come from AA.
Sucessful long term abstinence. does not necessarily require meetings..
We have SR members who are shining examples
of recovery without meetings of any formal program...
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