Excessive alcohol consumption over an extended period of time can have a drastic impact upon the brain, new research suggests.

Scientists in Germany, Britain, Switzerland and Italy examined 15 alcoholic men and women over a period of 38 days after they stopped drinking and the changes observed in their brains were remarkable.

The brains of the subjects increased in size by an average of two per cent after the period of abstinence, highlighting the extent to which alcohol had previously caused harm.

The study, published in the Brain journal, reveals that all but one of the patients displayed significant regenerative abilities after ceasing drinking. It is telling that the one patient whose brain remained below its standard volume was the one who had the longest history of alcohol dependence.

Dr Andreas Bartsch, from the University of Wuerzburg, said: "The human brain, and particularly its white matter, seems to possess genuine capabilities for re-growth.

"The core message from this study is that, for alcoholics, abstinence pays off and enables the brain to regain some substance and to perform better," he added.

The brain's ability to regenerate certainly provides encouragement to those striving to remain sober, as it suggests that perseverance can have a huge impact upon sharpness and intelligence.

Separately, research from Datamonitor has found that drinking habits among young adults in Europe are beginning to change. The report indicates that young adults are now interested in "high-quality eating experiences" and that "their social occasions are becoming less focused on drinking".

On the other hand, there is evidence that youngsters are once more gaining a taste for cider. Spending on the apple-based beverage has been tipped to rise by 35 per cent in the five years from 2005.

© Adfero Ltd