Antidepressant drugs are frequently used to assist manage the pain of alcoholic neuropathy, even though they are not licensed expressly for this condition. Supplementing with vitamin B12, folate, vitamin E, and thiamine may be advised to address these deficits. Additionally, genetic variables might be involved, rendering certain people more susceptible to alcohol-related nerve injury than others.
- Additionally, alcohol changes how the kidneys, liver, and stomach work, which makes it harder for the body to effectively detox waste.
- Regardless of the severity of your condition, it’s never too late to seek help.
- Because alcohol poisons the body in this way, the symptoms that emerge can range from basic discomfort to extreme pain, especially in someone struggling with alcoholic polyneuropathy.
- After the medical phase, you will need counselling from therapists experienced in alcohol treatment to achieve long-term success.
Long-Term Effects Of Alcoholic Neuropathy
Contact us today, and let’s work together to create a brighter, healthier future for you. Your path to recovery begins with a single step – reach out now and find the support you deserve. Wearing socks to bed can help warm your feet and reduce discomfort for individuals with neuropathic pain. However, it is important to ensure socks are tight, as poor circulation can worsen neuropathy symptoms. Alcohol-related neuropathy can damage the nerves involved in movement.
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Axonal degeneration and demyelination, or damage to the myelin surrounding the nerves, are linked to this. Remember that recovery is possible, and plenty of support is available. Keep moving forward, one day at a time, and appreciate the hard work you put in along the way. Dr. Marisa A. Sisk, , M.S., Psy.D., is the Chief Clinical Officer and founder of Refine Recovery, where she created its clinical curriculum. With advanced degrees in Clinical Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy, she has extensive experience in behavioral health.
Is it possible to cure nerve damage?
Proper nutrition and vitamin intake are important for optimal recovery. Ensuring a well-balanced diet and taking vitamin supplements as directed by a healthcare professional can give the body the resources it needs to repair damaged nerves to some extent. Consider taking vitamin supplements to ensure adequate intake, but remember to consult your doctor before starting any supplementation regime. Additionally, regular exercise and proper diabetes management can significantly reduce the possibility of developing peripheral neuropathy. Engaging in physical activities and monitoring your blood sugar levels can contribute to maintaining good nerve health.
Alcohol is toxic to nerve cells, and its presence can impair the way nerves function. Additionally, chronic alcohol consumption often leads to nutritional deficiencies, especially of vitamins like thiamine, which are vital for nerve health. Ongoing therapy and counseling can address the psychological aspects of addiction and help develop strategies for coping with the challenges of neuropathy. In alcohol neuropathy many cases, alcoholic neuropathy is at least partially reversible—especially if it’s caught early and the individual stops drinking altogether. Chronic drinking combined with the above risk factors can increase your chances of developing alcoholic neuropathy.
But, the pain is not the only troublesome aspect of alcohol-related neuropathy. Depending on how severe the nerve damage is, it can cause mild discomfort to severe disability. This is also something that can have a long-term psychological impact.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is estimated that about half of those who have heavy alcohol intake will develop alcoholic polyneuropathy at some point in their life. Medicines may be needed to treat pain or uncomfortable sensations due to nerve damage. They will be prescribed the smallest dose of medicine needed to reduce symptoms. This may help prevent drug dependence and other side effects of chronic use.
If left untreated, alcoholic neuropathy can become more severe and affect a person’s overall quality of life. Alcoholic neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves become damaged as a result of years of heavy alcohol consumption. Symptoms include burning pain in the body, hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), and allodynia (a condition in which Substance abuse normal stimulus, like a soft touch, produces pain). There is no exact threshold, but heavy, prolonged alcohol use over many years significantly increases the risk of developing alcoholic peripheral neuropathy. The risk depends on factors such as individual tolerance, overall health, and duration of alcohol intake.
- Refine Recovery offers evidence-based and holistic pain management options tailored to each individual.
- These exams help the doctor to identify any abnormalities or inconsistencies in your physical and neurological capabilities.
- Constant pain in the hands or feet is one of the most bothersome aspects of alcoholic neuropathy.
The first solution is so simple to spell out, but in practice is obviously extremely touchy. Managing nerve-related pain is essential for comfort and long-term recovery. Refine Recovery offers evidence-based and holistic pain management options tailored to each individual. Non-addictive medications may be used alongside complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, mindfulness, and meditation to reduce discomfort and support emotional regulation. If alcohol neuropathy progresses long enough, the liver can become damaged, and a transplant may be necessary. A transplant has the potential to improve your symptoms, but this is usually when alcoholic neuropathy has progressed to a point where the damage is irreversible.