What long lasting effect does 12 years of heavy drinking have on the brain

[rhino47]

My sister drank heavily for at least twelve years that I know of.
She was detoxed recently and is now living with me.
I was wondering what damage has been done to her brain.She is 13 days into her recovery.
She prior to her drinking was a very intelligent person.She is a college grad (psychologist)I have been noticing absolutely no short term memory.Example would be I wrote directions to using my telephone.I taped them on my land phone.She forgot 3 min later they were there.Another example is the remote to the satellite dish.My other sister she lived with had the exact same system and remote.I went through 14 times the directions to using the remote and even taped the directions onto the remote.She forgot they were there.I was trying to teach her basic computer skills such as checking email.I wrote it in step by step form.I know for a fact she has used a computer before.She has no idea now how to do it.I honestly thought this was a passive/aggressive act until I observed her when she thought she was alone and she was totally lost trying to make a phone call.
This is really scaring me.Will this ever go away?
She would drink one gallon of wine and half of fifth of vodka per day.What other damage might have been done to her?
Thanks in advance.

[Aristus]

1. Well, first of all, posting the same thread TWICE on the Lounge page!

B-)

[rhino47]

2. lmao sorry i just noticed ..

I was booted from net and didnt know i posted twice.Do you know how to self delete?

[supernova]

3. It's kind a early

to tell I think. She may just be in emotional shock for all that she is doing. Forgetting the simple stuff is understandable in that context. She has to concentrate on changing her behaviors so that she doesn't reach for a drink all the time. That takes a lot of mental engery right there. Not saying that's all there is to it, and I hope you are getting professional support for her to stay sober.

I don't know her or you obviously, but if it's say 2 months from now and she's still functioning at the same level, I'd get her checked out by a neurologist.

[leftofthedial]

4. well, 12 years is a long time

12 years ago, I was, of course, much younger and my youngest daughter was just a baby. She was the sweetest, happiest little thing. My ex-wife and I loved her so much. Heck, we even loved each other then. that was before my ex completely changed into the shrewish, spiteful hateful witch she is today.

What was the question?



Chronic alcohol use does damage the brain, but I know some pretty hard long-term drinkers and none of them exhibit the problems you describe, except maybe short-term memory issues. Seems to me like something else is going on. Is she on medication? How old is she?

[Rabrrrrrr]

5. her body might still be in shock from lack of alcohol

Everything has to get re-adjusted to working under normal conditions again, and her body is probably fighting like hell to get her to get some alcohol back into it, and making her confused and unable to concentrate is one way of doing it.

Give it a few more weeks, and see how she's doing.

In the meantime, kudos to you for taking her under your care - alcoholism is a nasty fucking bit of nasty sickness. I hope and pray that she will be able to remain sober. I wouldn't wish alcoholism or drug addiction on anyone, not even the worst republicans.