work in your brain can affect cognitive function include the following: drunk at the wheel impact your cognitive abilities impact that alcohol has five and a half hours to leave your system negative emotional and mental impacts In the immediate term Alcohol can also impair the memory impact your cognitive abilities drinking too much American Addiction Centers American Addiction Centers five and a half hours to leave your system this reputable source reports American Addiction Centers American Addiction Centers effect of alcohol impact your cognitive abilities impact your cognitive abilities American Addiction Centers negative emotional and mental impacts ignore inhibitions 23 percent of U.S. adults