Does alcoholism cause memory changes?

Alcohol causes distortions to memory in a very fundamental way, which is usually beyond the comprehension of those close to the alcoholic. However, there are two major memory changes caused by the poison known as alcohol and these are blackouts and euphoric recall. Blackouts are not to be confused with the oblivion that occurs when so much alcohol has been consumed that the alcohol penetrates deeply into the brain and the drinker becomes unconscious. This type of extremely heavy, often fast drinking, is very dangerous. Oblivion or passing out is, in fact, a safety device to prevent any further intake, which would penetrate to that part of the brain controlling the automatic processes of breathing and the pumping action of the heart. If this penetration occurs, and occasionally it does, death from an alcohol overdose is the outcome. Very often young men and women, try to impress their peers by sculling alcohol, only to find themselves in the casualty ward suffering from alcohol poisoning.  Blackouts are a normal part of the disease of alcoholism. They are the failure to remember events that occurred while the drinking alcoholic was talking, driving or otherwise seemingly engaged in the normal activities of life. They are caused by the chemical action of alcohol on the memory processes, so that remarks such as the following are common: ‘I can remember leaving the party, but can’t remember driving home’ or ‘I wonder if I made a fool of myself at the party’ and  then ‘I have a vague idea I made arrangements to meet someone next week but for the life of me I can’t remember who it was.' Blackouts not only cause confusion for the alcoholic, but throw others into situations where they cannot understand the behavior of the alcoholic, because they assume she remembers all the details of the conversation or event that occurred. Anger at broken promises follows these blackouts. The onset of blackouts tends to increase, but they can’t be predicted with any certainty. Most alcoholics think that a blackout is actually passing out and becoming unconscious. Not so. Another feature of alcoholic memory is that the memory acts selectively, usually by remembering the good parts and rejecting the bad. The effect of the unconscious defense mechanisms and changes in memory processes is to place the alcoholic completely out of touch with reality and this is the crux of the alcoholic disease. Not only can it not be cured at all, but it can’t even be arrested until the alcoholic comes to understand the necessity for changing his or her way of thinking, so that contact with the real world is regained. It is no wonder that alcoholics cannot even see that there is a problem to be fixed and it is not surprising that they behave in a strange and bizarre fashion. It is understandable that the disease is difficult to treat successfully, because this disease takes the sufferer out of contact with reality.  The only way to successfully treat alcoholism is to regulate their brain chemistry, particularly the Dopamine Neurotransmitter, the center of satisfaction and reward. I use Tyrosine Mood Food to help my patient stop drinking and stay stopped. That is the first step in recovery – get the brain chemistry balanced then proceed with counselling.  It’s frustrating to try and counsel an alcoholic who does not have the ability to process information for change. Amino Acid supplements like Tyrosine Mood Food for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy, stable mood.  L-Glutamine can reduce both cravings and the anxiety that accompanies alcohol withdrawal.  A good liver tonic like LivaTone Plus is recommended and can be beneficial in those who have an inflamed liver or a sluggish liver. LivaTone Plus also contains all the B vitamins and the amino acid Taurine. It also contains the antioxidant vitamins C and E.   Magnesium Ultra Potent can be taken before bed to assist with a deep and restful sleep. It also helps to reduce stress, very beneficial to a recovering alcoholic.  Magnesium is also known as the “great relaxer”.  Dr. Cabot’s book, Help for Depression and Anxiety is an excellent read for recovering alcoholics.