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Persistant Heavy drinking damage reversible?
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
I'm 18. I first got drunk when I was about 12, but on very rare occasions. Nor did it take very much. It was when I turned 15 that the frequency at which I was drinking increased, and the amount per session too - Though at that time, it was still only about 14-18 units for me to be "drunk" and I did it at most, once a month.
From then to age 17 it stayed mostly the same but there obviously were more occasions where alcohol came up. However my consumption has skyrocketed in the past year. I now drink 25-30 units a session, that's a bottle of 80 proof - and I sometimes find myself doing it upto 3-4 times a week. But most weeks once or twice.
I am concerned with the effect I have observed on my brain function. I used to be quite intelligent and functioned well socially too. I was motivated, had energy etc. Memory and attention have suffered. Now I don't feel half as clever as I was, and I'm pretty ditsy. It's like a long term brain fog. I also am pretty bad at communicating face to face and relationships in general - and before all this I was popular and confident.
The question isn't can I stop, suffice to say - I don't feel need to drink - yet. What I'm worried about is when I do stop, will I see a return of all my cognititive facilities that seem inhibited at the moment.
(Edit:- You're probably going to launch "never mind your intelligence what about your liver!" etc. Suffice to say, I have not drank nearly enough to cause permenant damage to my liver yet, that takes frequent, heavy drinking for atleast a decade in 90% of cases. I am reducing drinking in the context regard to sessions per week, though at the moment, when I do drink - still drink 25-30 units. I aim to be tee-total by age 20 and see that as realistic.)
From then to age 17 it stayed mostly the same but there obviously were more occasions where alcohol came up. However my consumption has skyrocketed in the past year. I now drink 25-30 units a session, that's a bottle of 80 proof - and I sometimes find myself doing it upto 3-4 times a week. But most weeks once or twice.
I am concerned with the effect I have observed on my brain function. I used to be quite intelligent and functioned well socially too. I was motivated, had energy etc. Memory and attention have suffered. Now I don't feel half as clever as I was, and I'm pretty ditsy. It's like a long term brain fog. I also am pretty bad at communicating face to face and relationships in general - and before all this I was popular and confident.
The question isn't can I stop, suffice to say - I don't feel need to drink - yet. What I'm worried about is when I do stop, will I see a return of all my cognititive facilities that seem inhibited at the moment.
(Edit:- You're probably going to launch "never mind your intelligence what about your liver!" etc. Suffice to say, I have not drank nearly enough to cause permenant damage to my liver yet, that takes frequent, heavy drinking for atleast a decade in 90% of cases. I am reducing drinking in the context regard to sessions per week, though at the moment, when I do drink - still drink 25-30 units. I aim to be tee-total by age 20 and see that as realistic.)
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Comments
Take a look at thesites drinking factsheets there may be something of use there.
I don't know your situation or if you're working with any agencies at the moment but in most areas there will be available advice and support specifically for alcohol abuse. If you have a Connexions worker they would be able to put you touch with one of these, they're often coupled with drug abuse services so don't be put off.
You seem to have a good understanding and working on reducing your consumption which is a sensible approach.
Good luck with your tee-total plan and let us know how you're getting on :thumb:
I haven't got much help for this thread I'm afraid as I don't have any experience with it.
But just wanted to say, frustrating as it may be, be patient and you will get a reply
Good luck
Some of the effects will be due to damage that your body can heal, or adapt around in time
And some will be permanent.
Do you think I've really done any permenant damage though?