A 42-year-old member asked:
How does long term alcohol or drug use cause mental retardation?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Susan Uhrichanswered
Psychiatry 37 years experience
Not quite the same: The term mental retardation is an old term that refers to brain problems present at birth or in early development. Alcohol and drug use can and do cause a loss of cognitive function in adults. Alcohol kills brain cells; some drugs deplete certain neurotransmitters.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 7, 2016
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