Dr. Jacques de Broekert
Dr. Jacques de Broekert
Alcohol and the Hijacked Brain: Why They Can’t Think, Remember, or Decide Like They Used To
Alcohol and the Hijacked Brain: Why They Can’t Think, Remember, or Decide Like They Used To
Alcohol and the Hijacked Brain: Why They Can’t Think, Remember, or Decide Like They Used To
Friday 20th February 2026
Learn how alcohol affects the brain and decision-making with Doc Jacques' expert insights and heartfelt advice.
28 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Hopeful
Inspiring
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Jacques de Broekert
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
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Episodes:
152 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Alcohol's Impact on the Brain: Insights from Doc Jacques
Episode Overview
- Alcohol affects the brain's ability to make decisions and remember.
- The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus are particularly impacted.
- Recovery begins with abstinence; the brain can heal over time.
- Family support is crucial, but patience is needed.
- Understanding the neurological impact can help manage expectations.
"You're arguing with the addiction; you're not talking to somebody who makes sense because you're not talking to the person."
What happens when alcohol takes over the brain? Dr. Jacques de Broekert, affectionately known as Doc Jacques, dives into this critical topic with a mix of clinical expertise and personal anecdotes. In this episode of 'Doc Jacques: Your Addiction Lifeguard', listeners are guided through the science behind alcohol's impact on the brain, particularly its hijacking of decision-making and memory functions.
The episode is packed with relatable scenarios that families of alcoholics often face, like the frustration of repeating conversations or witnessing loved ones making baffling decisions. Dr. Jacques explains how alcohol shrinks and weakens the prefrontal cortex, the brain's command centre responsible for judgment and impulse control. He also discusses the hippocampus, the memory hub, and how alcohol disrupts its ability to form new memories.
Listeners will find solace in understanding that these changes are not due to stubbornness or lack of intelligence but are a direct result of alcohol's physical effects. Through a blend of humour and empathy, Doc Jacques offers hope by highlighting the brain's ability to heal with abstinence. He stresses the importance of patience and support from loved ones, urging them to stand firm and be ready to offer help when their loved one is prepared to accept it.
The episode is a compassionate reminder that recovery is possible and that healing begins with understanding. Curious about how alcohol affects the brain? Join Doc Jacques for an enlightening discussion that blends science with heartfelt advice. Remember, healing is possible, and understanding is the first step.