Apathy is an emotional condition in which an individual loses interest in life. Researchers have linked alcohol consumption, indirectly, with apathy. Findings indicate that the consumption and over-consumption of alcohol can have a significant impact on the brain. Once the structure of the brain is impacted, the function of the brain is also impacted. Alcohol consumption facilitates the demise of neurological functioning and emotional health by destroying or atrophying brain tissue.
Impact to the Right Hemisphere
Alcohol consumption negatively impacts the right hemisphere of the brain, which can lead to apathy. People who drink alcohol to excess and become addicted may appear to have a flat affect and lack of concern about factors that impact their lives. This demonstration of apathy often hinders a person's commitment to treatment. These people who have experienced damage to the right hemisphere have difficulty in expressing emotion and in reading emotion in others.
Wet Brain
Alcohol consumption can lead to conditions that impact the emotional health of the alcoholic. Unfortunately, some of conditions are quite severe and irreversible. Wet Brain or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a condition that may plague an alcoholic whose brain has been severely damaged by alcohol consumption. This condition is characterized by a general lack of concern of the consequences of their destructive behavior and alcoholism in general. If the condition is allowed to worsen, eventually an individual may become totally apathetic about their condition.
Alcohol and Diet
People who abuse alcohol often do so to such a degree, that they neglect proper nutrition. An alcoholic may forget to eat; not feel hunger, as he is full of drink; or just prefer to drink, instead of eat. No matter the cause for not eating, the manifestation is the same -- poor nutrition. For instance, a severe lack of thiamine can lead to wet brain, which leads to apathy.
Alcohol Can Destroy Relationships
Drinking alcohol in excess has the potential to indirectly contribute to apathy. Apathy, already caused by neurological deterioration, may increase as a result of a weakened social circle and decline in professional status. Alcohol abuse may prevent abusers from being welcome at social gatherings where alcohol is served. Additionally, abusing alcohol may put people at risk professionally, if a failure to meet obligations results. Over time, alcohol can damage relationships, reduce social circles and destroy professional and social opportunities, resulting in apathy.
Member Comments