Alcohol causing neuropathy in patient

Although peripheral neuropathy is commonly associated with diabetes and chemotherapy, nerve damage can also occur as a result of 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), and 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 of time may induce alcoholic neuropathy based on the high amount of ethanol in these beverages, which can be very toxic to nerve tissues. This type of nerve damage will initially begin to impact a person’s feet and hands, resulting in a similar reduction of sensation as diabetic neuropathy. For example, when people are suffering 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 recommended 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 Liebman Wellness Center in Marlton may be able to help you find relief for your pain. Call (856) 596-3000 to schedule an appointment for a consultation today.

Although many of the symptoms for alcoholic neuropathy are similar to diabetic neuropathy (pain, numbness, and 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 Liebman Wellness Center in Marlton are here to help. The first and most important decision you will want to make is to stop drinking alcohol, then you will want to pursue treatment for alcoholism, as alcoholic withdrawals can be devastating to a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. Next, your body will require therapy to recover from the damage that alcohol did to your nerves. Fortunately, Liebman Wellness Center offers this type of treatment that can help you control symptoms by maximizing your ability to function without having to take medications. However, once again, you will need to prepare yourself to make some drastic life changes if you are to recover from alcoholic neuropathy.

For more information on how to find pain relief for your alcoholic neuropathy symptoms, call Liebman Wellness Center in Marlton at (856) 596-3000 to schedule a consultation.

Patient consultation with doctor
You don't have to live with the tingling, numbness or stabbing, burning sensations that come along with neuropathy! At Liebman Wellness Center, our personalized treatments can help relieve your condition.