Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder, can cause significant brain damage due to the toxic effects of alcohol on brain cells and its interference with brain communication [3][2]. Excessive and prolonged consumption of alcohol can lead to alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), a condition that includes several disorders such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, alcoholic dementia, and Marchiafava-Bignami disease [2][3].

Alcohol is a neurotoxin, which means that it can damage or destroy nerve cells, including those in the brain [3]. Chronic alcohol consumption can cause a reduction in the size of the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, which are responsible for cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation [1][3]. Additionally, alcohol can damage the white matter in the brain, which contains the nerve fibers that transmit signals between different brain regions [1][3].

Alcohol also interferes with the communication between brain cells by affecting the neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that transmit signals in the brain [3]. Alcohol can increase the levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can lead to sedation, dizziness, and impaired judgment [3]. On the other hand, alcohol can decrease the levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which can result in confusion, memory problems, and impaired motor coordination [3].

Moreover, alcohol can cause a thiamine deficiency, which can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe form of ARBD [2][3]. Wernicke's encephalopathy is an acute neurological disorder characterized by confusion, ataxia, and oculomotor abnormalities, while Korsakoff's psychosis is a chronic disorder characterized by severe memory impairment, confabulation, and disorientation [2][3].

In summary, alcohol addiction can cause brain damage through several mechanisms, including neurotoxicity, interference with neurotransmission, and thiamine deficiency [3]. The resulting conditions, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and alcoholic dementia, can have severe and irreversible consequences, highlighting the importance of early intervention and treatment for alcohol use disorder.

Sources:

[1] <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ALCOHOL>
[2] <https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/alcohol-related-brain-damage-arbd>
[3] <https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alcohol-and-brain-overview>