Re: what does drinking do to memory

Hello, and thank you for sending your question to MadSci Network.  
Your question is quite interesting!  

First of all, the information about "how memory actually works" is still being 
researched, and no, it cannot be answered by a simple "few words."  There are 
different locations in the brain for different types of memory storage, and 
neuroscience is just beginning to discover the actual locations, and some basic 
information about how memories are stored.  

However, your question about the effects of alcohol on memory is a bit more 
easy to answer.  We perceive the world through "peripherals" (eyes, ears, 
taste, touch, and smell).  Alcohol interferes with our ability to use 
our "peripheral" functions well. Our balance functions are impaired, and so are 
our central nerves that are affected by alcohol-related problems such as 
blurred eyesight, incoordination, slowing of body reflexes, and even 
difficulties with hearing, touch, taste and smell.  When there is a disruption 
in the INPUT of experiences, the brain cannot store those experiences properly -
- the brain can only store clearly what it can perceive clearly.

You can think of it in this basic way.  Imagine that you have a camera, and its 
lens is clean.  You take a photograph of something, and the lens transmits a 
clear image to the "memory," which is the film in the camera.  You recover 
the "memory" by developing the film, and the "memory" (photograph) is clear.  
Now, if the lens is dirtied, or blocked with a piece of paper, fabric, or even 
your finger, you don't get a total or clear "memory" on the film.  

In a similar manner, if you interfere with the input of sensory information 
and/or the processing of such information, in the brain, as is done through the 
overuse of alcohol, then your "picture" of the situation (your "sensory 
perception") will be unclear, and, thus, your memories of the situation will 
also be unclear.


[Admin Note:  Also, it has been confirmed that excessive alcohol 
consumption does lead to neural damage.  For these and other adverse effects 
from alcohol, please check this Overview of Alcohol-Related Problems.]