Alcohol's effects on your brain and the benefits of going sober

ALCOHOL is often seen as a social lubricant, a way to unwind after a long day, or the centrepiece of celebrations. But what we don't always realise is how deeply alcohol impacts our brains, changing its structure, altering its chemistry, and reshaping how we function on a daily basis.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

In this article, we unpack how alcohol affects the brain, the science behind recovery, and why quitting could be the mental reboot your body desperately needs.

How alcohol hijacks your brain

Alcohol doesn't just affect your mood or coordination - it fundamentally alters your brain's chemistry - and here is how it happens:

1. The reward and stress pathways

According to the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), in the beginning, drinking feels euphoric, like a quick happiness boost. But over time, drinking regularly rewires the brain, making it harder to feel joy without alcohol.

The brain begins to rely on alcohol for dopamine release, which is why people find it harder to stop drinking. It's not just a habit, it's a physical and emotional dependency.

2. Short-term brain suppression

Alcohol acts as a depressant by disrupting the balance between excitatory (stimulating) and inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitters in the brain.

This is why drinking can initially make you feel relaxed or sleepy. However, over time, these imbalances disrupt brain function, leading to impaired memory, concentration and emotional control.

What happens to your brain during addiction?

Excessive alcohol consumption doesn't just slow down the brain, it actually causes physical damage.