Insufficient B12 can result in nerve damage, and chronic alcohol use impairs its absorption. These nutritional shortfalls can independently cause neuropathy or worsen existing nerve damage from alcohol’s direct toxicity. We know that drinking alcohol over a long period can lead to negative health issues, but we’re not exactly sure why these issues occur. Many factors contribute to the development of a condition called alcoholic https://ecosoberhouse.com/ neuropathy, resulting from nerve damage caused by excessive drinking. How long a person has misused alcohol and how much they’ve consumed in their lifetime are two major factors. Proper nerve health depends on a balance of salts and chemicals in the blood.

Nerve Conduction Test

Other factors include previous nerve damage, injuries or medical conditions that have caused nerve problems, neuropathies or nerve Sobriety related complaints. Such people may be at increased risk of alcoholic neuropathy, if clubbed with alcohol abuse. Some people with thyroid, kidney or liver disorders, autoimmune conditions or those exposed to prolonged stress can be at risk of alcoholic neuropathy.

Alcoholic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge. It’s a Saturday evening, and a group alcoholic neuropathy of friends have gathered for a barbecue. Everyone laughs over their favorite beverages and enjoys the delicious meat and veggies being grilled up. Among the group is Mike, a 45-year-old who loves these gatherings  — but he’s recently noticed a tingling sensation in his feet.

Other Risk Factor

• As axons break down, the nerve fibers become less dense and cannot function properly.
• Neuropathy severely affects the way the nerves send signals to or receive from the brain.
• Alcoholic neuropathy, also called alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy, is nerve damage in the body caused by the toxic effects of alcohol.

For an indepth guide about peripheral neuropathy supplements and vitamins, read this article. It is important to supplement the diet with vitamins, including thiamine and folic acid. Recovery time depends on the severity of nerve damage and how quickly treatment begins. The single most important step is to stop drinking alcohol immediately. Some researchers believe the connection between alcohol misuse and poor nutrition may lead to alcoholic polyneuropathy.

• Medical, mental health, and substance abuse providers all work together to form and carry out a treatment plan that helps to manage all disorders at the same time.
• For those who have insurance, using health insurance to pay for rehab should cover at least some of the cost of addiction treatment.
• H and F wave latencies were not routinely reported but were found to be prolonged in those with alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy in studies that did 4, 67.

While not always life-threatening, alcoholic neuropathy can cause permanent damage when left untreated. One of the ways it is left untreated is by continuous alcohol consumption. If you are struggling to quit alcohol, it may be time to seek help from an alcohol addiction treatment program. For individuals with neuropathy or those at risk of alcohol-induced nerve damage, complete abstinence is the most impactful recommendation.