Over time, usually with abstinence from alcohol, behavioral functions can appear relatively unimpaired. Although it can be difficult to distinguish processes that have been spared, compensated for, or recovered, the brain appears to become reorganized to provide compensation for structural and behavioral deficits. Longitudinal studies have provided clear evidence for recovery of both neuropsychological functioning and brain tissues. Further support for recovery of brain volumes with abstinence has come from cross-sectional studies that have demonstrated positive associations between prolonged abstinence and larger volumes of cortical and subcortical gray matter, and cortical and callosal white matter. Despite substantial evidence for recovery of neuropsychological performance and brain structure with sobriety, some abnormalities persist through abstinence, especially problems with executive functioning, visuospatial cognition, and motor functions.
