What Are the Effects of Alcohol and Substance Use on Our Brain?

Addiction is a brain disease. In other words, when addictive substances are used for a long time, they lead to different effects and changes in brain cells. People often start using alcohol and substances with the thought that they can control it. However, after a while, alcohol and substance use gets out of control, and even if the person does not want to use them, their brain wants them to continue using.

With intense alcohol and substance use, the brain's self-stopping mechanism is disrupted, and when faced with alcohol and substances, the brain only gives the message "go and use," it cannot give the message "stop." Thus, the person continues to use, even if they do not enjoy it, by following the "go and use" message from their brain.

Our brain is made up of nerve cells, and our perception of our environment occurs through these nerve cells. Alcohol and drug use disrupts communication between nerve cells, causing many negative effects on our brain. 

Alcohol use reduces brain functions, weakens memory, leads to balance disorders, and causes dementia. Many studies show that regular alcohol use, even if not in high amounts, triggers dementia. 

Drugs disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, making it mechanical. Some substances cause blockages in brain vessels, leading to strokes. Additionally, hearing voices within the brain and the onset of mental illnesses are among the effects drugs have on the brain. Research shows that cannabis use increases the risk of schizophrenia by 7 times. 

Since alcohol and substance use disrupts communication between nerve cells, it slows down the functioning of the brain. The person has difficulty learning new things and solving problems. Research conducted with brain imaging techniques has revealed through brain images that alcohol and substance use slows down the brain. These studies have also shown that alcohol and substance use causes changes in the structure of the brain. 

Since alcohol and substance use severely impairs reflexes, it is very dangerous to perform tasks requiring attention under the influence of these substances. Additionally, it is known that the negative effects and changes caused by some drugs on the brain lead to sudden deaths.

The changes occurring in the structure of the brain and the deterioration in nerve cells do not correct immediately when alcohol and substance use is stopped. Recovery can take a long time. It should be remembered that addiction is a brain disease beyond the person's control and willpower. It is important to stay away from both alcohol and substances and things that remind them for the recovery in the brain to occur.