Adverse effects of prolonged alcohol consumption on the central nervous system

Abstract

Alcohol is a drug of high consumption globally. In the case of humans, there are many consequences of excessive alcohol consumption vary according to sex, body weight, speed ingestion, the size of the dose, among other factors. Currently there are no doubts about the negative impact of alcohol on the Central Nervous System (CNS) there are several hypotheses about the specific action of this substance on brain functioning. Objective: the authors conducted a review of the current state of scientific literature concerning the effects of alcohol on the CNS and neuropsychological consequences associated with their consumption. Results: currently there are several models that attempt to explain the mechanisms of action of alcohol on the brain standing models based on individual characteristics of alcoholics and models based on the vulnerability of brain systems. Within the areas that are most affected by this substance are the prefrontal structures and cerebellum. Conclusions: there is strong empirical evidence demonstrating the harmful structural and functional effects caused by alcohol on the central nervous system, primarily because of its systematic consumption.