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How Long Does Alcoholic Neuropathy Take To Go Away?

By October 18, 2023December 4th, 2025No Comments

These approaches should complement, not replace, conventional treatments, and their efficacy varies by individual. The reversibility of the neuropathy correlates strongly with the severity and duration of the damage before treatment begins. If intervention occurs early, when the damage is mild, a partial or full recovery is possible. However, the longer and heavier the drinking history, the more likely some damage will be permanent, as destroyed nerve axons are difficult to regenerate. Recovery time depends on the severity of nerve damage and how quickly treatment begins.

How does this condition affect my body?

  • A physician can concentrate on treating alcohol-related neuropathy after alcohol consumption has been treated.
  • Some people do experience these symptoms for a longer period of time and for some, they become permanent.
  • It is thought to be caused by the direct toxic effect of alcohol on the nerve cells.
  • Use adaptive tools like grip aids for utensils or jar openers to reduce strain on hands.

There is only one hard and fast rule — the how long does alcoholic neuropathy take to go away symptoms will get worse with continued alcohol consumption. The amount of alcohol consumption that can lead to alcoholic neuropathy varies depending on individual factors such as genetics, overall health, and nutritional status. However, studies indicate that consuming more than 100 grams of alcohol per day over many years significantly increases the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy6.

Ready to start your recovery?

There’s no exact timeframe for how quickly alcohol-related neuropathy develops. However, stopping consuming alcohol sooner can help stop the progression of 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. The exact causes of alcohol-related neuropathy aren’t fully understood. However, researchers have found that consuming too much alcohol for long periods of time can damage the peripheral nerves.

how long does alcoholic neuropathy take to go away

Recovery timeline and factors

However, the weakness caused by alcoholic myopathy can be severe, even causing temporarily paralyzed muscles at times. The effects of peripheral neuropathy depend on the cause, the nerves it affects, your medical history, treatments you receive and more. Your healthcare provider is the best person to tell Substance abuse you more about what you can expect in your case.

What does alcoholic myopathy feel like?

If the sensation is decreased enough, you may feel actual numbness after drinking alcohol. Recovery from peripheral neuropathy depends on the extent of damage the nerves have been subjected to. If the nerve injury is not serious, it may a few weeks to recover, but if the injury is very serious, it may even take years to recover. For patients with underlying conditions such as cancer and diabetes, treating these conditions can help improve the condition and enhance healing. According to experts, the best course of treatment should be to stop the peripheral nerves’ deterioration and concentrate on getting them back to normal. A well-balanced diet, vitamin B supplements, and correct and total abstinence from alcohol are the best ways to achieve that.

  • Peripheral neuropathy in individuals with diabetes ranges from 6% to 51%.
  • Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair.
  • The symptoms of alcoholic peripheral neuropathy include impairments in sensory, motor, autonomic, and gait functioning that appear gradually over several months.

The toxic effects of alcohol may damage your peripheral nerves, which play a role in movement and sensation. 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.

  • There are no medications that can help improve loss of sensation, strengthen muscle weakness, or assist with the coordination and balance problems caused by alcoholic neuropathy.
  • However, it could take several months or even years for significant recovery.

Can Alcohol-Induced Neuropathy Be Reversed? Understanding Recovery And Treatment

Even when full reversal isn’t possible, halting progression and managing symptoms can make a tremendous difference in quality of life. For most, a combination of different treatments is the best way to combat neuropathic pain. Your neurologist can help figure out a treatment path that’s both effective and doable for you. Other tests may be ordered to check for other possible causes of neuropathy or damage to body systems due to neuropathy. Once alcohol use has been addressed, a doctor can focus on treating alcohol-related neuropathy itself. Treatment will depend on the type, location, and severity of your symptoms.

What treatment options are there for alcohol addiction?

However, these are symptomatic treatments and do not address the underlying nerve damage. Regular medical check-ups are vital to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans. For severe cases, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ physical therapy or occupational therapy can help regain strength and coordination, though full recovery may remain elusive for some. Alcoholic neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy caused by alcohol-related nerve damage.

how long does alcoholic neuropathy take to go away

Alcohol can cause the degeneration of the myelin insulation of the nerve fiber as the nerve dies back from the feet and hands toward the upper leg and arm. It’s important to share any history of alcohol use with the doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis. Research suggests that up to 66% of people with AUD have some type of alcohol-related neuropathy. This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy. Alcoholic neuropathy also frequently causes unpleasant and painful sensations. Alcoholic neuropathy can cause pain at rest and even tactile sensitivity.

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