Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

1 year sober, find it hard to concentrate

I know this sounds silly coming from someone as young as me, but I am 21 and last year I decided to get help for my alcoholism.

I was drunk for weeks at a time and mostly by myself. Before I started drinking regularly, when I was 17 I was fascinated by my own mind, I could work out problems and multitask without ever writing anything down. I took an actual IQ test to get a scholarship and scored in the 1 percentile.

I was thinking the alcohol somehow made me dumber and had my sister who is a psychologist give me another actual IQ test recently and again I scored very high (I feel really silly writing this because I really dont like people to think Im showing off but I feel its relevant) but Im convinced my mind isnt what it once was. Im still able to work out complex problems but the multitasking function is weak, I find it difficult to follow a problem in my mind and concentrate without writing anything down.

My doctor said my body would recover from the alcohol in 6 months and Ive been taking B complex which she also said would help but Im not seeing any improvement and I am starting to worry. In no way do I feel less intelligent but since I am doing a very difficult course at university I am able to spot these differences in my mind.

I apologize for any spelling mistakes english isnt my first language. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Not silly at all i started way younger i was 13 when i started drinking and im now 7 months sober and congrats on being 1 year takes alot of strength and courage to stop drinking its taken me 23 years to stop im going into rehab monday for abit more help i thought my brain was distroyed as well but ive always been a slow learner and my brain is a normal size you could be stressed lack of sleep try taking alot of brakes don't sit there hours on end studding hun try going for walks baths even chocolate breaks hun defently dont give up congrats again on being one year sober and hope think of all the positive things you have acheved xxxxx
Helpful - 0
15439126 tn?1444443163
What's the most important thing in your life for the coming few decades?

I hope you'll agree that it's avoiding alcohol, even just one drink.

If your concentration's poor and you start worrying about it, it will become worse.

I think your focus ought to be on studying ways of finding relaxation for your mind (I find practicing meditation invaluable).  If you spend a lot of time on bookwork, a simple break such as a brisk walk might work wonders.  There are a variety of safe and healthy ways, to sharpen your mind back up to its full potential.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just realized I put this in the wrong section, not sure if I can move it.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Alcoholism Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
Nebulae, OH
3060903 tn?1398565123
Other
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.