Alcoholic Neuropathy

Although peripheral neuropathy is commonly associated with diabetes and chemotherapy, nerve damage can also occur due to alcohol abuse. Alcoholism affects millions of people every day in the United States. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2014 conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “16.3 million adults ages 18 and older had an [Alcohol Use Disorder], which includes 10.6 million men and 5.7 million women” (samhsa.gov, 2014). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported, “nearly 88,0009 people (approximately 62,000 men and 26,000 women) die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States” (cdc.gov, 2014).

Consuming alcohol over a long period may induce alcoholic neuropathy based on the high amount of ethanol in these beverages, which can be toxic to nerve tissues. This type of nerve damage will initially impact a person’s feet and hands, resulting in a similar reduction of sensation as diabetic neuropathy. For example, when people suffer from alcoholic neuropathy, they may experience a burning and tingling feeling in their hands and feet. These feelings may continue for months and years in some cases. Patients with this condition are highly recommended to stop consuming any alcoholic beverage to help improve symptoms and avert any further nerve damage. Additionally, patients with alcoholic neuropathy are advised to take the same precautions as those with diabetic neuropathy. Unfortunately, this form of nerve damage usually becomes permanent under certain conditions.

If you believe that you have alcoholic neuropathy, the doctors at Regenadoc in Clifton may be able to help you find relief for your pain. Call (973) 314-9797 to schedule an appointment for a consultation today.

Although many of the symptoms for alcoholic neuropathy are similar to diabetic neuropathy (pain, numbness, muscle weakness, aches, or contractions), many of the symptoms are connected to extreme alcoholism, such as:

• Frequent constipation
• Uncontrollable diarrhea
• Incontinence or difficulty urinating
• Impotence in men
• Constant feeling of nausea/vomiting

Seeking treatment for alcoholic neuropathy is a life-changing decision, and the doctors at Regenadoc in Clifton are here to help. The first and most important decision you will want to make is to stop drinking alcohol. You will want to pursue alcoholism treatment, as alcoholic withdrawals can be devastating to physical and mental wellbeing. Next, your body will require therapy to recover from the damage that alcohol did to your nerves. Fortunately, Regenadoc offers this type of treatment that can help you control symptoms by maximizing your ability to function without taking medications. However, you will need to prepare yourself to make drastic life changes to recover from alcoholic neuropathy.

For more information on how to find pain relief for your alcoholic neuropathy symptoms, call Regenadoc in Clifton at (973) 314-9797 to schedule a consultation.