It’s estimated that 25% to 66% of chronic alcohol users in the United States experience some form of neuropathy.2 Continuous drinkers are more likely to be affected than episodic drinkers. Nerve damage from chronic alcohol consumption can develop over several years. If your doctor confirms a diagnosis of alcoholic neuropathy, they will discuss treatment options, including help for alcohol use disorder. The damage from alcohol neuropathy can affect the nerves that control movement, senses, and organ function. This can result in a variety of symptoms that affect different areas of the body. Initially, they may be barely noticeable but can progress to more severe and disabling conditions if alcohol consumption continues.
Sensory symptoms
Patients are encouraged to help develop their individual treatment plans, which include therapy, education, and relapse prevention. Good physical health is important to confidence and resilience, both of which are vital factors in preventing relapse and further health problems. The basic components are diet, sleep, exercise, and time for relaxation and marijuana addiction self-pampering. Since your ability to engage in some of these may be affected by neuropathy and/or alcoholism, schedule an appointment with a doctor or therapist to create a detailed, individualized health plan. For those who have insurance, using health insurance to pay for rehab should cover at least some of the cost of addiction treatment. Depending on your individual insurance plan, treatment at a specific facility may or may not be covered.
Variability in Alcohol Nerve Damage Severity and Combination
Managing both alcohol consumption and blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals with both alcoholism and diabetes to prevent further nerve damage. This is a form of nerve damage, known as alcoholic neuropathy, where heavy alcohol use damages the peripheral nerves — the ones that help you move (motor nerves) and feel physical sensations (sensory nerves). Alcohol abusers may experience loss of balance, pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness after drinking. While some nerve damage from alcoholic neuropathy may be permanent, early intervention and comprehensive treatment improves symptoms and halt the progression of the condition.
Alcohol Neuropathy Symptoms
Alcohol abuse is one such potential source of injury, with symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy developing in as much as two-thirds of those who experience a prolonged alcohol use disorder. Avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol is the primary way to prevent alcoholic neuropathy. If you notice you are developing signs of alcoholic neuropathy (such as numbness after drinking alcohol), in addition to seeing a physician, try to stay away from alcohol altogether. If you are having difficulty avoiding alcohol, there are resources that can help you quit.
Even though alcoholic neuropathy may not go away, there are things you can do to cope with this condition. Once alcohol use has been addressed, a doctor can focus on treating alcohol-related neuropathy itself. Treatment will depend on the type, location, and severity of your symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for alcohol-related neuropathy. The Wang team continues to explore how CIN dynamics impact brain health, aiming to translate their discoveries into innovative treatments for a variety of brain disorders.
- Women are more likely to develop alcohol polyneuropathy and suffer from a more rapid onset and greater severity.
- When significantly limiting or stopping alcohol consumption, receiving ongoing support is essential.
- The sooner you stop drinking alcohol, the more favorable your outlook is if you have alcohol-related neuropathy.
- Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and expert in the field of brain health and neurological disorders.
Treatment
- There are several possible causes of neuropathy, and knowing about a person’s alcohol intake can help the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.
- To prevent alcoholic neuropathy, how much alcohol should you limit yourself to?
- The first alcohol neuropathy step in seeking help for alcohol addiction might be to consult your healthcare provider.
- Symptoms can include numbness in hands and feet, digestive issues, and loss of balance due to loss of nerve function.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects about 400 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of serious illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and stroke. You, nor your loved one, are under any obligation to commit to a Treatment X treatment program when calling the helpline. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one. This helpline is answered by Treatment X LLC, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. Additionally, if a person does not feel pain, they can leave themselves more open to infection.
Alcoholic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Timelines
By halting alcohol intake, individuals prevent the progression of alcoholic neuropathy and give their nerves a chance to heal. Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or disease of the nerves that carry messages to and from the brain or spinal column and the rest of the body. More recent research, however, suggests that alcohol can directly damage nerves. The evidence points toward alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy being a form of toxic neuropathy, rather than nutritional neuropathy. If you have a diagnosis of alcoholic neuropathy, abstinence from alcohol is the primary treatment to restore nerve function. Drinking alcohol with any neuropathy could cause further damage to nerves.
Alcohol Neuropathy Treatment and Outlook
Sometimes symptoms get better, especially if caused by a condition that can be treated. It is essential to provide patient education regarding the harmful, long-term consequences of alcohol abuse. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Referral to a behavioral health addiction facility may be required to treat alcohol addiction. If you’re struggling to control your drinking and worried about alcoholic neuropathy, help is available.
- Autonomic nerves are concerned with muscular functions which are reflexive, such as breathing, heartbeats and peristalsis (rhythmic movements of the intestines).
- These can affect both your controlled and involuntary movements, as well as sensations.
- Since alcoholic neuropathy is progressive, it will continue to get worse if left untreated.
- Continued alcohol use exacerbates the condition, leading to further deterioration of nerve health.
Conditions That May Mimic Alcoholic Neuropathy
The primary cause of alcoholic neuropathy is the toxic effect of alcohol on nerve tissue. Chronic alcohol abuse also leads to poor nutrition, exacerbating nerve damage. Alcohol interferes with the absorption and metabolism of essential nutrients how to treat alcoholic neuropathy vital for nerve health, such as vitamin B12, thiamine, and folate. Over time, the cumulative effect of these nutritional deficiencies and the direct toxic impact of alcohol leads to the development of alcoholic neuropathy.