Abstinence from drinking allows the brains of chronic drinkers to regenerate, and the sooner problem drinkers quit the more brain function they are liable to recover, Reuters reported Dec. 17.

Research has shown that heavy drinking can damage brain cells and hinder the growth of new brain cells. But a new study finds that the brain can repair itself if alcohol consumption stops. "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," said researcher Andreas Bartsch of the University of Wuerzburg, Germany.

The researchers used brain scans to measure the volume, form, and function of the brains of 15 alcoholics before and after they stopped drinking. The seven-week study found that brain volume increased an average of 2 percent within 38 days of quitting.

The study subjects also did better on concentration and attention tests. "The human brain, and particularly its white matter, seems to possess genuine capabilities for re-growth," Bartsch said.