Final answer:
Persistent complications of heavy ethanol use after withdrawal can include long-lasting alterations in brain reward circuitry leading to changes in tolerance and GABAergic system disruptions, which affect motivational control and can result in prolonged hippocampal dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The complication of heavy ethanol (EtOH) use likely to persist beyond the first week of withdrawal is the alteration of the brain's reward circuitry and the development of alcohol-related behaviors, such as tolerance. Chronic exposure to alcohol leads to compensatory adaptations in the reward circuitry. Upon cessation of alcohol intake, the hyperactive state of the brain's adaptations may continue for an extended period, even beyond the initial acute phase of withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and confusion. One cognitive function that can be affected is the hippocampal dysfunction, which can lead to persistent memory problems and learning issues. Moreover, the GABAergic system's disruption can have profound effects on motivational and self-control circuits, potentially leading to a sustained increase in the motivational salience of alcohol-related stimuli.