Alcohol Deaths On Rise In UK: Here's How It Impacts Your Brain

Alcoholism has become a pressing health issue. Latest statistics show that the number of deaths caused solely by alcohol in England has surged over the past four years, with government figures showing a troubling 42% rise from 2019 to 2023. More than 8,200 people died due to alcohol-related causes in 2023. As per BBC, alcohol-related deaths primarily affect men under 75, with liver disease being the leading cause. This trend was substantiated by a recent analysis by the Institute of Alcohol Studies, which indicated that the 55-74 age group has become the heaviest-drinking demographic, potentially driving this alarming trend.

Why The Increase?

Experts point to several factors behind the rise in alcohol-related deaths:

Firstly, it is the cost of living. According to the researchers, economic stress triggered this abuse. While some cut back on drinking to save money, others turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress.

Also, there has been a recorded increase in drinking among older age groups. This may also reflect changing social behaviours over time.

Alcohol is a chemical compound that typically refers to ethanol, the type found in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. It is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast, and when consumed, it acts as a depressant on the central nervous system.

Primarily, alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alcohol can also alter how the brain looks and functions. It disrupts the areas of the brain responsible for balance, memory, speech, and judgment, increasing the likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Long-term alcohol consumption can permanently change neural pathways, leading to lasting cognitive and emotional effects.

Moreover, it is a proven fact that alcohol can worsen mood swings. Recent research shows that alcohol may exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder by destabilizing mood, which impacts efficiency at work. Alcohol also affects conditions like depression, and panic disorder, and can trigger impulsive behaviour. Additionally, alcohol has been shown to disrupt sleep patterns, making it harder to get restorative rest.

A study led by Harvard University professor Dr Kenneth J Mukamal found that brain volume shrank in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed, even in light drinkers, compared to teetotalers. Dr Mukamal noted that this shrinkage may not be due to brain cell loss but rather changes in brain fluid levels. "There's a great deal of doubt about whether the atrophy seen on MRI scans is caused by brain cell death or fluid shifts within the brain," he explains. He also points out that the atrophy caused by alcohol consumption shows significant improvement within weeks after an alcoholic stops drinking, suggesting the shrinkage is reversible.