Commit to Lifelong Learning

"perpetuam uitae doctrina!"

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.

Learn as if you were to live forever." Mahatma Gandhi.

Commit to Lifelong Learning. Open book on desk, next to a red apple

Limit Alcohol Consumption!

Enrich Your Life!   We are here to point you in the right direction and cheer you on. 

Lifelong-learning pursuits are richer when you have a clear head and a healthy liver.



A cheese board with 3 slices of cheese, a glass of wine and a knife

Heavy drinking can lead to long-term damage to brain cells, making it harder to maintain a good memory or to make connections between memories.


By limiting alcohol consumption, you are taking steps towards protecting your brain health in the long-term.


To ensure a healthy brain and a happy life, combine moderation with regular exercise and a nutritious diet as well as Lifelong learning.


This combination is key to preventing cognitive decline and promoting good memory.


Liquor being poured from a bottle into a shot glass containing ice
A beautiful glass of Margarita, with salt and lime slice on the rim.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):


"There are some people who should not drink any alcohol, including those who are:

  • Younger than age 21.
  • Pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • Driving, planning to drive, or participating in other activities requiring skill, coordination, and alertness.
  • Taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol.
  • Suffering from certain medical conditions.
  • Recovering from alcoholism or are unable to control the amount they drink.


By adhering to the Dietary Guidelines, you can reduce the risk of harm to yourself or others."


Excessive Drinking is Bad for Your Brain and Your Overall Health

Excessive drinking is bad for your health and your brain. Whether you binge drink occasionally or drink heavily on a regular basis, the effects of excessive alcohol consumption can be far-reaching. It can lead to serious health conditions such as liver damage, high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of certain cancers. But the damage doesn't stop there.


Excessive drinking can also cause significant damage to your brain, leading to cognitive problems, memory loss, depression, anxiety, and more. In this blog post, we'll discuss the dangers of excessive drinking and why it's important to practice moderation when it comes to consuming alcohol.


Short-term effects of drinking too much alcohol

Excessive drinking can lead to a wide range of short-term health issues. This type of drinking, which is defined as more than four drinks a day for men and three for women, can cause immediate harm to your body and can lead to long-term health issues if not addressed.

 

One of the most serious short-term effects of excessive drinking is liver damage. Liver failure can occur after heavy alcohol consumption and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Excessive drinking can also cause dehydration, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Another potential effect of excessive drinking is cognitive decline. 


Drinking heavily can impair your thinking and memory, which can be permanent in some cases. Heavy drinking can also reduce your ability to concentrate and to make decisions, which can lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, it can lead to memory loss and poor decision-making, making it difficult to stay safe while drinking. 


It is important to remember that excessive drinking is dangerous and can have serious short-term consequences on your health. If you or someone you know is struggling with excessive drinking, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

  • Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

    Excessive drinking can cause serious and long-term health problems, including Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). WKS is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. It is most commonly seen in alcoholics who have been drinking excessively for years. People with WKS experience severe confusion, poor coordination, and difficulty speaking and understanding words.


    The condition is composed of two distinct syndromes: Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis. The first, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, is caused by a sudden lack of thiamine and affects the way the brain functions. Symptoms of this condition include confusion, loss of muscle control, poor balance, vision problems, and memory problems.


    Korsakoff’s psychosis is a result of long-term thiamine deficiency, and causes difficulty learning new information, an inability to remember recent events, and making up stories. People with this condition may also experience amnesia and confusion. 


    Excessive drinking causes liver damage and cognitive decline, which can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. The only way to prevent this from happening is to cut back or quit drinking altogether. If you or someone you know is drinking excessively, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

  • Alcohol Use Disorder

    Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is an umbrella term for a range of disorders related to an individual’s use of alcohol. Individuals with AUD have difficulty controlling their drinking behavior and often engage in excessive drinking, which can cause serious physical, mental and social issues. 


    Excessive drinking can cause liver damage, cognitive decline and other serious medical issues. When an individual repeatedly consumes more alcohol than their body can process, they may develop tolerance and dependence on alcohol, leading to addiction. Those with AUD may experience cravings for alcohol, spend large amounts of time drinking or recovering from its effects, and feel compelled to continue drinking even when it causes negative consequences in their life.


    When left untreated, AUD can have a lasting and devastating impact on an individual's health and wellbeing. Those with AUD are at higher risk of developing physical illnesses such as liver cirrhosis and heart disease, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, alcohol misuse increases the risk of injury, car crashes, violent behavior, and suicide. 


    Fortunately, AUD is a treatable condition. With professional help, those who struggle with AUD can learn how to manage their drinking and regain control over their life.

  • Treatment for alcoholism

    Alcoholism is a serious disorder and it is important to seek treatment if you or a loved one have been engaging in excessive drinking. Treatment for alcoholism typically involves a combination of detoxification, counseling, and lifestyle changes. 

    Detoxification is the process of eliminating alcohol from your system. This can be done medically or on an outpatient basis. During this time, medications may be prescribed to help manage withdrawal symptoms. 


    Counseling is an important component of recovery. A counselor or therapist can help you address the underlying causes of addiction, and develop skills for dealing with stress and triggers. There are also support groups available to provide encouragement and guidance throughout the recovery process. 


    Making lifestyle changes is key for successful recovery. Adopting healthy habits such as exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet can help you stay away from alcohol. Avoiding situations where alcohol is present, such as bars and parties, is also important. 


    Excessive drinking causes liver damage, cognitive decline, and other medical conditions. If left untreated, alcoholism can lead to serious health complications, including death. Treatment can be difficult and require a lot of dedication, but it is worth it to get your life back on track.



How Alcohol Affects our Bodies and Brains

Video by courtesy of: The Conversation



Research and Resources


The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides valuable information and guidelines on the effects of alcohol consumption of the human body and mind. 


The CDC defines "Drinking in Moderation" as:

  •  "1 drink or less, per day for women"
  •   and "2 drinks or less for men."

                                        Read more here....>>

Alcoholics Anonymous


If you sense that you might be losing control of your ability to manage you alcohol consumption, please visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website at: AA.org.  Don't wait until you have actually lost control!


This web site provides information on Alcoholics Anonymous locations in The United States of America, Canada, and a myriad of countries throughout the world.