Thousands Could Have Alcohol Brain Damage

Every day, countless individuals may be living with alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) but remain unaware of it. Often misdiagnosed or mistaken for other conditions, ARBD is a growing issue that affects a person’s ability to perform even basic daily tasks, yet it is preventable with the right knowledge and intervention.

This article explores the causes, challenges, and potential solutions surrounding ARBD, shedding light on a condition that deserves far more awareness and attention.

ARBD is a condition that arises after prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption. Research shows that consuming as little as 35 units of alcohol per week for five years or more can lead to ARBD. How much is 35 units? It’s roughly equivalent to four bottles of wine each week.

The damage primarily affects cognitive skills, behaviour, and memory. Unlike degenerative disorders such as dementia, however, ARBD does not have to worsen over time. With timely medical help and the right support, individuals can make significant recoveries.

Despite its prevalence, ARBD is often overlooked due to stigma and a general lack of awareness among both the public and healthcare professionals.

Stigma and Misdiagnosis Around Alcohol Brain Damage

Professor Gareth Roderique Davies, an expert on addiction research, estimates that thousands in Wales alone may already have ARBD without a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, many individuals exhibiting symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, or aggression are treated with prejudice rather than appropriate medical care.

“There is some evidence suggesting some individuals with ARBD are being misdiagnosed with early-onset dementia,” explains Professor Davies. Such misdiagnoses delay critical interventions which could vastly improve patient outcomes. Early identification is key because, unlike degenerative conditions, those with ARBD can improve and even regain independence when proper treatment is provided.

Living with ARBD

Lee Caldwell, a former Royal Navy engineer diagnosed with ARBD, offers valuable insight into the daily struggles faced by individuals with the condition. Lee initially found it difficult to confront his drinking habits, saying, “The addiction became more important than living.”

After seeking professional help at Brynawel House rehabilitation facility in South Wales, Lee began his recovery. The centre provided him with a structured programme that included therapy and the development of memory-aiding strategies to support daily living. Over time, his physical health improved, and his cognitive abilities started to return.

Although Lee still faces challenges, such as navigating unfamiliar surroundings, his story demonstrates that with the proper intervention, ARBD recovery is not just possible but highly meaningful. “I don’t wake up with cravings now, and I am getting physically more and more fit,” he said.

Addressing ARBD in Society

Sue Gwyn, the chief executive of Brynawel House, reports that cases of ARBD have sharply increased since the pandemic. “We are seeing people with far more extensive brain problems because of their drinking,” she says.

Worryingly, many people consuming 35 units of alcohol or more weekly might assume they are safe simply because they don’t show visible liver damage. However, the effects of alcohol on the brain are just as concerning. Sue highlights that up to 75% of ARBD cases can see significant improvement with rehabilitation, but only with early detection and dedicated resources.

Current support structures remain limited. While the costs of ARBD rehabilitation, like the six-month programme at Brynawel House, may seem high, the long-term benefit far outweighs the expense. Without treatment, individuals with ARBD may eventually require long-term nursing care, creating a much heavier financial and emotional burden.

Prevention is always better than cure. Understanding how much alcohol is being consumed is a crucial first step. To give you an idea:

One pint of lower-strength beer or cider contains 2 units of alcohol.
A large glass of wine (250ml) contains 3 units.
A single shot of spirits (25ml) contains 1 unit.

The NHS advises men and women not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. Sticking to this guideline can dramatically reduce the likelihood of developing ARBD.

Education and community support also play crucial roles in preventing excessive drinking. Raising awareness not just about alcohol’s effect on the liver but also on the brain could encourage people to make smarter choices about their consumption habits.

Early intervention programmes, better training for healthcare providers, and clear clinical pathways would help address the gap in identifying and managing ARBD successfully.

A Path to Recovery

With 75% of ARBD cases responding positively to treatment, the potential for recovery is significant. Facilities such as Brynawel House show that structured rehabilitation programmes, combined with empathetic care, can make a lifelong difference for those affected.

Occupational therapists like Jan Bevan emphasise rebuilding routines and helping patients rediscover a sense of purpose. “Life revolved around alcohol […] but they’re actually looking at a future and what’s meaningful,” Jan explains.

Source: BBC