If I remember correctly,

I think in one of Dr. Ornish's books I read that alcohol weakens blood vessels
in the brain and increases risk of 'stroke'?

Also, this was either in my drug class in college, or I read it later as a
study, but someone found that alcohol interferes with short term memory, and
since long term learning must first go through short term memory, it effecting
one's ability to learn.

I've watched people on alcohol, and experienced myself, that even the
slightest bit can cause decreased faculties.  Even sniffing it is enough to
make my stomach cramp and it 'goes to my head'.

A lot of it may depend on a person's genetic ability to deal with it, which
could make things worse or easier.

aaron