Among the numerous harmful health effects of alcohol consumption, one of the most prevalent and enduring is alcohol-induced neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition arises from excessive alcohol intake, which damages the peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting signals between the body, spinal cord, and brain. Peripheral nerves require essential vitamins—such as thiamine, folate, niacin, B6, B12, and E—to function properly. Chronic alcohol abuse depletes these vital nutrients, disrupting the nerves’ ability to obtain them.
The damage caused by alcohol-induced neuropathy can significantly impair the function and capabilities of peripheral nerves, potentially leading to permanent loss of function. It is estimated that approximately 65% of individuals in the United States diagnosed with alcohol use disorder also suffer from alcoholic neuropathy.
What are the Effects of Alcoholic Neuropathy
The effects of alcoholic neuropathy are primarily categorized into three main symptom types: reduced sensation, pain and hypersensitivity, and muscle weakness. This nerve damage typically affects the peripheral extremities, such as the hands and feet, and may progress up the limbs over time.
Symptoms
Alcoholic neuropathy typically begins with reduced sensation in the hands and feet. Although it may not seem severe initially, this loss of feeling can significantly impair balance and make it challenging to avoid obstacles. Diminished sensation makes it difficult to walk, grasp objects, and detect injuries to your hands or feet, potentially leading to infections before they are noticed. This impaired feeling can also hinder daily activities such as writing, walking, typing, or texting.
As alcoholic neuropathy progresses, it may cause painful and hypersensitive sensations in the hands, feet, and limbs. Even a light touch might be painful, and there may be persistent tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling. This type of pain can be intolerable and chronic for those with excessive alcohol use. Over time, the pain may vary in intensity. Severe cases of alcoholic neuropathy can lead to muscle weakness, as nerves are crucial for muscle function. When these nerves are damaged, muscles may not respond properly, leading to additional issues such as a heightened risk of injury, loss of bladder and bowel control, and sexual dysfunction.
How to Treat Alcoholic Neuropathy
Unfortunately, damaged nerves from excessive alcohol consumption cannot be regenerated. However, managing the pain associated with alcoholic neuropathy is crucial, and there are several approaches to achieve this:
Diagnosing Alcoholic Neuropathy
To diagnose alcoholic neuropathy, you’ll need to provide your medical history, undergo a physical examination, and possibly submit blood samples. If you exhibit any of the symptoms listed, alcoholic neuropathy may be a potential diagnosis.
Several tests can help confirm this disorder:
How to Prevent Alcoholic Neuropathy
To reduce the risk of developing alcoholic neuropathy, the most effective approach is to completely avoid alcohol or significantly reduce your intake to non-excessive levels. If quitting alcohol proves challenging, consider enrolling in a formal treatment program. For those who have already achieved sobriety but still experience symptoms, you can help prevent further damage by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and taking vitamin supplements, including B6, B12, E, folate, thiamine, and niacin.
How Does Alcoholic Neuropathy Work?
Alcoholic neuropathy results from the nutritional deficiencies linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, impairing nutrient absorption. Alcohol also disrupts the normal function and structure of the stomach, liver, and kidneys, affecting the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Prolonged alcohol abuse can cause lasting damage to these organs, potentially resulting in permanent health issues.
How Does Alcoholic Neuropathy Feel?
We’ve gathered testimonials from various individuals describing their experiences with alcoholic neuropathy. These accounts are from real people and are not affiliated with Sunrise Recovery.
One individual described their experience: “Initially, the pain was severe and would flare up occasionally, but it remained fairly constant overall. I was prescribed Lyrica, which alleviated the nerve pain, though I had to weigh the cost of the medication against the relief it provided.“
Another shared: “I first noticed numbness in the soles of my feet, followed by pins and needles, and then an intense burning sensation. What began in my right foot eventually spread to my left, though the left foot now only has minor symptoms, including slight burning and tingling at the tips of my toes. The pain was so overwhelming that walking was nearly impossible without crutches, relying on my left leg for support.“
Another account mentioned: “The deep pain in my arms subsides after a few days, but I still experience occasional needle-like pricks and tingles in my hands and feet, though less so in my hands. I also have brief, sharp pains in other parts of my body like my shoulders and sides. The tops of my fingers feel like they have a sunburn when touched. I haven’t had any alcohol since a single beer a week ago.““
For those who remain sober, while full recovery is rare, the difference can be significant. Pain may shift from constant agony to manageable discomfort with occasional bad days. Peripheral nerves heal slowly and are prone to setbacks, so it’s important to anticipate them and manage stress, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Next Steps
If you’re concerned about the effects or risk of developing alcoholic neuropathy, seeking assistance from a healthcare professional is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Alcoholic neuropathy can have lasting impacts if not addressed early. At Sunrise Recovery, we offer evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders. Visit our website to explore our drug and alcohol rehab options, including residential and intensive outpatient programs.
