Alcohol abuse is one of the most common substance use disorders in America today. The prolonged use of alcohol—even if you aren’t necessarily addicted—can cause a variety of physical health issues. While people tend to be more concerned about the effect of alcohol on their internal organs, such as the liver, the nervous system is also greatly affected by long-term alcohol abuse. People who drink excessively for months or years may start to feel pain and tingling in their limbs due to a condition called alcoholic neuropathy. If you’ve experienced this pain, then you may be wondering how it can be treated.
Are you or someone you care about in the grip of alcohol addiction? If so, entering an alcohol detox center program is the best way to prevent further health problems. Getting clean can be difficult when you attempt to do it at home, and most people are more successful with professional help. Long-term recovery begins with detox, and the safety and comfort of a professional detox center makes the process much easier. Springfield Wellness Center in Louisiana offers a comprehensive detox program with additional support therapies. If you want to know more about our alcohol detox center program, contact us at 844.334.4727.
What Happens to Nerve Cells Destroyed by Alcohol Abuse?
When people drink alcohol in excess, they may start to feel a tingling sensation in their extremities when alcohol has caused damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves serve as a connection to the brain, transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the body. This condition, which affects the nerves’ ability to effectively transmit signals, is called alcoholic neuropathy. It’s estimated that a majority of people who have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder also have some form of alcoholic neuropathy.
The decreased sensation or minor pain experienced with alcoholic neuropathy may not seem like a big deal. However, it may cause other serious effects, such as:
Frequent injuries
Because there is less sensation experienced, there is a higher likelihood of receiving minor injuries that would otherwise be avoided
Infections
The lack of pain and discomfort may mask infected injuries, causing further injury.
Diminished coordination and sensory skills
Alcoholic neuropathy may cause decreased ability to balance and a lack of fine motor skills. As a result, this may cause impairment in day-to-day tasks. Severe alcoholic neuropathy may cause a person to feel constantly unbalanced, which can lead to dangerous falls.
How Do You Treat Nerve Cells Destroyed by Alcohol Abuse?
The first step to treating nerve cells that have been damaged by alcohol use is to prevent further damage. Quitting cold turkey is difficult and dangerous for many people with an alcohol use disorder who have been drinking for an extended period of time. The safest and most convenient option is to enter an alcohol detox center program to ease the withdrawal symptoms and begin recovery.
An effective alcohol detox program will usually consist of the following stages:
- Intake and evaluation – Intake counselors and physicians will determine the extent and seriousness of the patient’s alcohol use disorder. Then, they’ll plan out the treatment program.
- Detox – The detox stage is where the patient transitions out of the acute phase of an alcohol use disorder. The aim is to reach a stable, alcohol-free state.
- Support – Detox is simply the first step in the long journey of recovery. The patient will receive support to go through rehab programs that will ensure long-term sobriety.
There may be additional therapies that can support the goal of sobriety and overall improved health and wellness for the patient.
Choose Sobriety at Springfield Wellness Center
At Springfield Wellness Center, we understand that sobriety may seem out of reach for those who have been struggling with alcohol addiction for a long time. However, every journey begins with a single step. For most people suffering from alcohol use disorders, getting professional help is that step.
It can be frightening to realize the damage that alcohol use has done, but that doesn’t mean there is no way to heal. We offer an alcohol detox program to start your recovery journey, as well as NAD+ therapy to help nerve cells repair themselves. If you want to learn more about what we offer, you can contact us at 844.334.4727.
