Neuropathy Treatment for Alcoholism

Drinking alcohol to excess is generally not a healthful option. Excessive drinking can lead to serious health conditions. Among those conditions is alcoholic neuropathy--a disorder marked by the decreased functioning of one's nerves because of damage caused by drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol is a toxic substance for the human body. Its effect on a person's nerves are toxic. What treatments exist for alcoholic neuropathy?

First Things First

• First, the alcoholism must be dealt with. This means quitting alcohol, just as an addict of any other drug would quit. This might entail some time at a rehabilitation center or in some similar program. Some have been able to quit on their own, though--usually with the help and support of family and friends. Either way, alcoholic neuropathy won't be treated if the patient's drinking habits haven't completely changed.

Medication

• For alcoholic neuropathy, medication is typically only used as a pain reliever. It is used in the smallest amounts possible because the threat of additional dependence looms when dealing with a recovering alcoholic. Medications range in strength from aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen to more powerful drugs such as phenytoin, gabapentin and carbamazepine.

Preventing Injury

• Because the patient's nerves are not functioning properly, it is important that the patient learns to move in such a way as to prevent injury. This involves changing certain behaviors that could lead to injury. For instance, to avoid burns, the temperature of a bath must always be checked. The patient should regularly remove his or her shoes and check the feet to make sure that no injury due to pressure or some object caught in the shoe has occurred. The person's arms and legs should be protected with pads, splints or extra layers of clothing when possible.