This meta-analysis found that length of abstinence was significantly, inversely associated with magnitude of atrophy in AUDs. On the basis of cross-sectional studies alone, this association constitutes weak evidence for recovery of WM tissue with abstinence. However, the longitudinal studies reviewed in Supplementary Information provide converging evidence of WM recovery beginning in early abstinence and continuing for several months. If length of abstinence, rather than how much or for how long the individual drank, is a major determinant of brain recovery, this finding would be highly encouraging in the context of AUD treatment. Simply knowing that brain injury can begin to reverse itself within days of drinking cessation and that present abstinence is more important than past drinking may strengthen the resolve of many individuals seeking to change their drinking behavior.
