Have you ever wondered what Alcohol does to your brain?A recent blog entry at Psychology Today helps explain the known effects of alcohol on the brain, beyond intoxication.If you ever thought that drinking more than moderately wasn’t detrimental to your mind long-term, think again.According to research gathered by blog author Susan Tapert, about 50 percent of those who meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol addiction show some signs of thinking and memory problems. Abilities to plan ahead, withhold responses, learn and hold new information, and work with spatial information were all particularly affected.Furthermore, alcohol appears to negatively impact the organ itself. The size and shape of brain structures were found to be abnormal in heavy drinkers. Overall, the amount of grey matter, or your brain cells, and white matter, the cabling between your brain cells, were significantly reduced.This was particularly true within the frontal lobes, where planning, withholding responses, decision-making, and emotional regulation all occur. The quality of white matter was also found to be poorer in chronic heavy drinkers, effecting how information is relayed within your brain.What does this mean? Chronic heavy drinkers, or those with an alcohol addiction, must work harder to think and retain information.Some good news The adverse effects of misusing or abusing alcohol won’t last forever—if you stop abusing alcohol. Difficulties with concentration and memory tend to greatly improve once alcohol is no longer introduced into your system. Even in just the first month of sobriety, you’ll find that suddenly you have a “clear mind”, helping you find a new appreciation for your life and sobriety.
Online Therapy for Addiction: Is It Right for You? What to Look for in a Program
But is virtual treatment effective? And would you know whether it suits you or somebody you love?
Below, we have outlined the ways in which online addiction therapy works, who best benefits and what to look for in an online addiction therapy program from a power standard that adheres to professional and regulatory standards in Canada.
How Online Therapy for Addiction Works
Online therapy for addiction involves the use of secure digital platforms in order to provide structured therapy in a virtual environment. Programs typically include:
One-on-one virtual counselling with licensed addiction therapists
Group therapy sessions that encourage accountability and support from other individuals
Educational resources such as worksheets, relapse prevention tools, and skills training
Ongoing aftercare and check-ins to support long-term recovery
