With proper treatment and abstinence from alcohol, it is possible to slow or stop the progression of the condition. However, nerve damage can be permanent, and some individuals may experience ongoing marijuana addiction symptoms. Thus, the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy can affect various areas and although the condition may not be serious, it can surely affect the quality of life.

Unhealthy Diet

One study examined the effectiveness of a specific vitamin B complex in treating alcoholic polyneuropathy. The results showed that the vitamin B complex significantly improved symptoms over a 12-week treatment period14. This highlights the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies in the recovery process. After drinking alcohol, you might feel numb if the sensation is reduced enough. Toxin accumulation in the body and dietary deficiencies are the causes of alcoholic neuropathy.

Long-Term Outlook and Lifestyle Adjustments

Up to 66% of AUD sufferers may have some form of alcohol-related neuropathy, according to research. Avoiding alcohol can help you regain your nutritional balance, relieve your symptoms, and stop additional nerve damage. The medical community has recognized that addiction is alcohol neuropathy a disease and some people are predisposed to it. As a result, it is usually necessary to get medical help to manage alcohol use disorder. While not specifically approved for the treatment of alcoholic neuropathy, antidepressant medications are often prescribed to help control the pain. Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed as a way to manage pain.

Making Amends in Recovery From Addiction & Relapse Prevention

We offer a variety of evidence-based therapies, including individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy, as well as complementary therapies such as yoga and equine therapy. Alcohol consumption can significantly impact the peripheral nervous system, leading to various nerve-related issues. It's essential to understand how alcohol affects these nerves and the symptoms that may arise as a result.

Constant Pain and Hypersensitivity

• The best way to prevent alcoholic neuropathy is to avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• However, studies indicate that consuming more than 100 grams of alcohol per day over many years significantly increases the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy6.
• One study examined the effectiveness of a specific vitamin B complex in treating alcoholic polyneuropathy.
• These clinical trials provide valuable insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevalence of alcoholic neuropathy.
• It is important to understand that in moderate cases, alcohol-related neuropathy has the potential to heal if alcohol consumption is stopped and a proper treatment plan is followed.

For individuals experiencing neuropathic pain due to alcoholic neuropathy, certain medications have shown promise. For individuals grappling with the effects of substance abuse, addressing dietary needs alongside treatment can facilitate recovery and support long-term sobriety. Incorporating a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can improve overall health and aid in recovery. Consulting with a healthcare provider or nutritionist can help create a personalized nutritional plan.

Addiction Treatment that Just Works

• Up to 66% of AUD sufferers may have some form of alcohol-related neuropathy, according to research.
• Over time, the effects of drinking too much alcohol may cause alcoholic neuropathy.

People with a lengthy history of alcohol misuse might experience loss of balance, pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness after drinking alcohol. Alcohol-related neuropathy can go away if you stop consuming alcohol and follow your treatment plan. However, severe alcohol-related neuropathy may cause permanent nerve damage. The sooner you stop drinking alcohol, the more favorable your outlook is if you have alcohol-related neuropathy. Research suggests you can recover from some or all of the nerve damage caused by alcohol-related neuropathy.

Risk Factor

The problems that alcoholic neuropathy causes with muscle weakness, balance, and coordination can make a person more at risk for falling down and getting injured. Not being able to tell when things are too hot because of the way the nerve damage interferes with the ability to sense temperature changes can make one more susceptible to burns. In the same manner, numbness and lowered ability to feel pain sensations can make people more apt to cut themselves or otherwise damage the skin. Often, individuals may not even realize that they are burned or cut because they just don’t feel it, which can elevate the risk for infection. Alcohol abusers may experience loss of balance, pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness after drinking.

• A nerve biopsy, which may occasionally be recommended by a physician, may reveal a pattern of nerve degeneration that is Suitable for alcoholic neuropathy.
• Malnutrition due to alcoholism can contribute to nerve damage and alcoholic polyneuropathy as well.
• Ongoing therapy and counseling can address the psychological aspects of addiction and help develop strategies for coping with the challenges of neuropathy.
• The diagnostic process may involve neurological examination, blood tests, and electromyography.
• Other tests that are used for diagnosis include Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, electromyography, nerve biopsy, nerve conduction test, neurological examination, and bowel series and tests.

It is often described as ‘pins and needles’ and is felt as many pins were pricking in the area. Some may also feel a burning sensation along the course of the nerve on the hands or legs. Numbness can make the whole arm, hand or feet feel as if it were dead and could not be moved. Some may also feel dizziness, loss of balance and lack of co-ordination in movements, as symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy. It is common for people to experience movement disorders, which feel similar to motion sickness or a sick feeling when moving around.

For some people, alcoholic neuropathy may be partially reversible, but this depends on several factors. Doing so can help halt the progression of neuropathy and allow the nervous system to begin healing. Note that the disorder might not be completely reversible, so managing the symptoms comes into play. Reversing the condition includes having a good, healthy diet full of supplements and nutrients to replace the lost nutrients over the years.

Developing Healthy Habits in Addiction Recovery

They work to send signals throughout the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Nerves help you to move (motor nerves) and feel physical sensations (sensory nerves). Some of your bodily functions are autonomic, which means that you don’t directly control them. Nerves that are part of the autonomic nervous system help to regulate heart rate, body temperature, respiration, and blood pressure. Polyneuropathy involves damage to more than one nerve at the same time, usually multiple nerves throughout the peripheral nervous system and all over the body. The symptoms of alcoholic peripheral neuropathy include impairments in sensory, motor, autonomic, and gait functioning that appear gradually over several months.