Symptom 6. Personality Changes – The Altered Self
ARD can also lead to significant personality changes. A once vibrant and sociable person may become withdrawn and apathetic, or a typically calm individual might become impulsive and exhibit inappropriate behavior. These changes can be one of the most distressing aspects of ARD, as they fundamentally alter the person’s identity.
These personality changes are a result of the damage alcohol does to the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for our personality traits and social behavior. Chronic alcohol abuse can disrupt these brain regions, leading to drastic shifts in personality.
A medical consultation is highly recommended in this case, as early intervention can slow the progression of the disease and possibly help in managing these personality changes. (6)
