Damaged nerves can heal, but it takes time.
Peripheral neuropathy caused by long-term alcohol abuse is a horrible form of suffering for those who must endure it. The pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas can be debilitating and severely lower a person’s quality of life.
However, there can be comfort taken in the fact that many cases of alcoholic neuropathy may be successfully reversed if proper treatment is performed. The patient must be determined to change his lifestyle and remove the destructive factors from his life that so damaged his nerves.
Successful healing of the nerves is also dependent on the extent of the damage and the progression of the disease already incurred. Nerve cells do have a limited capacity to regenerate themselves, but dead or severely damaged nerves will not respond to therapy.
More often than not, however, a patient who is diligent with his treatment will experience a significant improvement in his symptoms over a period of time. It will take months or even years for the debilitating pain to fade away, but most patients report that they do see some relief and some people even experience a full remission of their neuropathy symptoms.
All alcohol must be removed from the diet
It goes without saying that the first thing the patient must do is stop drinking alcohol. Otherwise, it is almost certain that the disease will progress and the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy will get worse.
Neuropathy is a progressive disease and if the underlying cause, in this case alcohol abuse, is not eliminated then the nerve damage will most assuredly spread to the autonomic nervous system. When this happens, the internal organs are affected which can cause sexual dysfunction and digestive problems, among other things.
Vitamin B supplements, especially thiamine, are often helpful to suppress alcoholic neuropathy
Many alcoholics suffer from vitamin B deficiency due to the fact that water-soluble vitamins are flushed from the body in its attempt to rid itself of alcohol. Because of this, chronic low levels of vitamin B can exacerbate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in heavy drinkers.
Vitamin B, especially vitamin B1 or thiamine, is a critical nutrient necessary for the proper functioning of nerve cells. It is a very good idea for recovering alcoholics to take a daily multivitamin as well as a daily vitamin B complex vitamin. There are also specially formulated neuropathy support vitamins which include a heavy dose of the B complex, as well as additional herbs and nutrients known or suspected to help with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
A healthy diet is key to reversing your symptoms
Alcoholism is also associated with malnutrition because the digestive system of alcoholics is not efficient at absorbing vitamins and nutrients. Much of its energy is spent in its attempt to rid itself of the toxin of alcohol, so many important nutrients pass through the digestive system without being absorbed by the body.
Your chances of reversing your symptoms of peripheral neuropathy will be greatly enhanced by undertaking an ambitious diet program. You should focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods and trying to eliminate simple sugars from your diet.
Complex carbohydrates, which break down slowly in the body and release sugar over a long period of time, are very beneficial. Avoid coffee, caffeine, and other known diuretics. If you smoke, try to quit. A new dedication to proper nutrition will greatly help to heal your damaged nerves.
Get tested for diabetes and keep your blood sugar levels tightly controlled
Alcoholics often suffer from type II diabetes because alcohol is a simple sugar which is quickly absorbed in the stomach. Alcoholism wreaks havoc on the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels. It is imperative that you have your blood sugar levels checked, and if you are diabetic or in the diabetic range that you take steps to get it controlled and closely monitored.
Diabetes is the number one cause of peripheral neuropathy because high blood sugar is extremely damaging to nerves over the long-term. Even though you have quit drinking, if you do not control your blood sugar level appropriately, the peripheral neuropathy will continue to spread unabated.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for the pain
Until your symptoms lessen or go away, you may make use of medications available that are designed specifically to help alleviate the pain and suffering associated with neuropathy. Neuropathy support formula vitamins are excellent.
There is also neuropathy cream which can be applied directly to the affected areas and helps to alleviate the tingling and numbness. If the pain is extreme, you may also wish to speak with your your doctor about prescription pain medicine for neuropathy.
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
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| Penetrex® | Nerve Support Formula Vitamins | Neuropathy Cream | Neuropathy Rubbing Oil |
Miki
I have been a heavy drinker for most of my life. Beer mainly but started with liquor about 2 years ago. I went to get out of my car and I went “paralyzed “ from my chest down. I was taken to the ER unable to walk and still pretty intoxicated. I have been sober for a few months. I was able to leave the hospital with a walker but could barely walk. As my strength came back I noticed the horrible pain and tingling in my legs and it moved to my arms. The doctors didn’t know or care what was wrong with me. I went to rehab for alcohol and another lady there had the same symptoms. Her doctor did diagnose her and that is how I found out what was wrong with me. I took treatment into my own hands. I’m on a healthy diet, take vitamins and don’t drink at all! I try to exercise but it is somewhat hard. I really hope this damage I have caused myself starts getting better. I’ve become very depressed because it seems like it’s getting worse. I’m not going to give up! I will heal myself!!!
Shane
Hi everyone,
I’ve found the info on the website helpful, and now I really need some advice and encouragement for my situation.
Alcohol Consumption:
I am 24 years old and I have been drinking heavily on and off for the past 3.5 years. In high school and early college I would drink here and there on weekends and at parties, but I didn’t drink a lot. After I turned 21, I got really into craft beer and started drinking a 6-pack or more a night, a few times a week. This escalated drastically when I moved at age 22 because the house where I lived was right near a super huge beer/wine/liquor store that had a large selection and super competitive prices. I started to get into wine and bourbon, in addition to more craft beer. Basically every day when I got off work, I would spend the even drinking 8-12 beers worth of alcohol, often a combination of beer/wine/whiskey. I did this for a little over 1 year, with a couple months where I managed to stop drinking but returned to the habit. Since then, I have continued the pattern with a few small breaks, but I have been drinking for the majority of the past 3.5 years from age 21-24. The first year was lighter drinking, but the next 2.5 years have been heavy drinking.
Symptoms:
About 4 months ago give or take, I woke up after a night of extremely hard drinking with co-workers. I normally drink a lot as I mentioned, but this was a whole new level. I had an absolutely terrible hangover in the morning. As I was laying in bed, I suddenly had to go throw up and as I crouched and bent down over the toilet to puke, suddenly my hands and feet started to tingle and vibrate very intensely. I was very alarmed so I went and sat on the couch. My hands and feet continued to tingle, but now they were convulsing. My feet and hands and fingers and toes were moving and cramping and convulsing without me controlling them to do so. They were also tingling. This continued for 15-30 minutes and then slowly started to go away.
Since that time 4 months ago, I have continued drinking hard. I have felt some very faint/mild tingling in my feet when sitting/driving, and sometimes in my hands. I have also maybe felt some tingling in my forearms and ankle areas. I will also say that I don’t know if the tingling is really happening, or if I’m just perceiving normal sensation as tingling because I’m looking for it.
The only other time I have felt severe tingling was about 1.5 months ago. I drank really heavily, but then didn’t the day after because I felt super hungover. I went deep sea fishing and got sea sick. While I was throwing up on the boat, my hands and feet started to tingle again. Apart from these 2 incidents, as I said, there might be some mild tingling here and there.
I Need Advice:
Based on what I’ve shared, do you guys think this is alcoholic neuropathy?
I know on average it takes 10 years of heavy drinking to experience alcoholic neuropathy. I have only been drinking heavily for 3.5 years, and in that time there have been probably 4-6 months of no drinking spread around. I have not had any continuous tingling or pain in the hands/feet other than some very faint/mild tingling that could just be me exaggerating a natural sensation because I’m looking for symptoms.
Please tell me if you think this is alcoholic neuropathy and why, and what you think I should do if it is? Also, if you don’t think it’s alcoholic neuropathy, do you have any other ideas of what it could be?
ALSO
If any of you have experience loss of sensation in your penis due to neuropathy, have you been successful in regaining that sensitivity and in healing those nerves? If so, what did you do to get healing?
Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this!
Xylia
Hey, I’m pretty sure I just started getting alcoholic neuropathy. The crazy thing is that I’m newly 19 years old, but I’ve been drinking regularly since I was 12. The last few years have been bad, I binge drink just about every weekend. Recently I started getting liver pain, no info from doctors though. Just this last weekend I drank for 30 hours straight with no sleep and I woke up with this area on my hip totally numb. I can’t feel it much when I touch it, it feels the same as when you get freezing at the dentist. A few fingers on my left hand are feeling weird too. I’m definitely gonna quit drinking now, should have when the liver pain started months ago. Any suggestions on multi vitamin brands I should take? Definitely scary already getting this at 19 years old.
MC555
Go see your doctor and ask for full blood work (CBC, metabolic, etc) and vitamin deficiency tests (B12, D, B1, B6, E, etc). Also might want to check magnesium and other enzyme deficiencies. Based on these results you should know what vitamins to take. They may refer you to a neurologist if needed.
MC555
Hi All,
Just read through this thread and it’s great to see encouraging stories.
I was a heavy daily drinker for about 12 years, started noticing leg cramps and weird feet sensations in April. Quit drinking and about 2 weeks later everything got better. Started again for 4 days, quit and symptoms returned worse than before. I have been sober again for 2 weeks, but things are getting worse instead of better. I have calf pain, feet pain & tingling, burning in feet/leg at night and weird hot/mild burning in shoulders/arms. Hoping this eventually clears.
Anyone else have symptoms that went away, returned and then went away again?
Thanks!
RandyRobinson
I am a heave drinker, beer. I drink a 12 pack a night for the last 20 plus years. over the last 6 months I have started noticing foot pain. It has become very painful. Relief does come for me when I drink. Is this common?
MC555
When I first had symptoms I quit and a couple of weeks later I felt almost 100% better. I then went on a 4 day binge and about 3 days after the symptoms returned and have slowly gotten worse. I didn’t really notice them while I was drinking/drunk. I’ve been sober 2 weeks now and am hoping I make a recover like before, but it’s worse this time so I’m guessing it will take longer.
Good luck!
Tracy
Two weeks ago I could no longer ignore the pins and needles on the outside of my left foot. I kept telling myself it was my new workout shoes and the achy feeling in my left buttock was piriformis syndrome from doing squats. Well, I finally listened to the little voice that had been telling me it was linked to my daily vodka consumption. Bam. I was terrified. I immediately went to my local market and bought the best raw B-complex they had. I then spent the morning researching and came across this site and a fantastic product called Nervestra. I embarked on intensive self-treatment.
I have made several “attempts” to quit/control my alcohol intake only to go further down the rabbit hole. This time, no problem. I reached out for help from an online support group, Women For Sobriety. No way will I ever go back to drinking.. Within one day of dropping alcohol and mega dosing B-complex and multivitamins, my appetite returned. It took a few days for the pain and tingling to subside. As a matter of fact, it got worse for a day or two.
I have been vigilant about my diet, taking the supplements and Nervestra, drinking lots of water. I never had a single urge for alcohol. I will never touch the stuff again. It’s poison. I’ve added B12 injections every few days. And I use a home far infrared unit for 45-90 minutes a day. That really changed things quickly. Today, mild, occasional tingling on the side of my foot when I go from sitting to standing. Very very grateful for the information and links on this site.
Ryan McCaffery
Hi, Tracy. There’s a lot of great information in your post. Thank you for relating it here. Will give inspiration to those feeling hopeless. Glad you have this thing by the horns now. For those interested, here are links for Nervestra and for the far infrared unit that Tracy spoke of.
Dan
I got hit with neuropathy six months ago. It was like someone turned on a light switch. My feet and then my body lit up like a switchboard. The Doctor says its a “mild case.” I still have feeling in my toes and feet but feel like I am walking on pebbles. I have largely stopped drinking. Very rarely do I have a bit. But after reading these stories I’m going to stop entirely. I was a wine – binge drinker. I never knew about peripheral neuropathy or I would never have drunk as much. It was worse at the beginning and seems to have gotten better and stabilized. I hate it. I have to fight off depression. Fortunately, I have a good diet and there isn’t anything else wrong with me. I’ve read that maybe, in 18 months or so, it might improve but I don’t know if that is true or not. I sometimes sit and direct my nerves to grow back. I hope they will. I can walk but it is uncomfortable. Gabapentin helps but I never know from hour to hour how my feet will feel. Going to a store where they will fit shoes knowing your condition helps a lot. I’d give back all the alcohol I ever drank not to have this.
Ryan McCaffery
Hi Dan. Great comment. Thanks for taking the time to share.
I’ve been where you are now, and can relate to the desperation and depression. But it’s going to get better. Be assured by all the personal stories in these comments. It is a slow recovery (months), but be patient and hopeful. I am sure you will see great improvement. Kudos for making the necessary lifestyle changes. Now give your nerves time to heal. Best wishes.
Scott
Hey guys, I was diagnosed with neuropathy about 5 months ago. I was wondering if anyone else is having a problem with dizziness and nausea? My feet were pretty bad, but have made a pretty good recovery. They have become more of a nuisance then debilitating(which is a good thing). The main problem I’m having is dizziness and nausea. Sometimes I just have general symptoms, other times its more of a attack. I’m always a little woozy though. My blood pressure is fine, the doctor checked my heart it also seems to be fine. I’ve been working out a little when I can, and it responds to exercise just fine. Also this isn’t happening when I stand up.
Jimmy
Hi to all. I’ve been suffering with these symptoms, although they are mild compared to some here. I would just add that if you are feeling pain, I think you can take some positivity from it as this means your nerves are not dead. They are giving you signs that they are damaged which you are feeling as pain. I believe nerves can regrow over 3 to 5 years, so keep away from all alcohol and eat well. Best wishes.
Charles C.
I am a 62-year-old man who is wondering if I have peripheral neuropathy. Here’s why. My left wrist area is somewhat tingly and feels like mild pins and needles. My pinky finger has some numbness and my left ring finger is slightly numb. Right hand is fine. My right, lower arm, however, has this mild tingly pins and needles feeling, too. My legs are stiff but not real pain. I can walk without pain, but a feeling of stiffness going up and down the stairs. I have been inactive for a few years, which is a big departure from my past. Three years ago, I swam a mile about two to three times a week. But then I was diagnosed with depression, which has taken its toll, leading to drinking in the last year or so. I have been hospitalized twice with alcohol abuse and sober now for two months. I sure don’t desire a drink or have any cravings. In all, the above symptoms manifested themselves within the last six weeks or so. Anyone have any thoughts on this for me? I would be very grateful.
Ryan McCaffery
The pins and needles feeling is typical of peripheral neuropathy. But usually the pain is symmetrical in both hands or feet.
Charles C.
Mine is only in the left hand and side.
Freedom
If it’s true that severed nerves or severely damaged nerves would never heal then how is it that my father at 81 years old had major surgery for the second time in the same place (they cut him from above and below his belly button), and he has zero pain or numbness at his age? NO PAIN OR NUMBNESS because the nerves do heal. Anyone who says you can’t get better, find someone else and never give up. Don’t let anyone ever take away your hope.
Ryan McCaffery
Thanks for the encouragement and for relating your story.
Anonymous
Thanks for your good news. I’m going to hang onto it. I hope you’re right.
Beth K Fowler
Hello,
Do any of you have first hand experience with MyoMed Pro? I don’t know what I have or what caused it, but some of the symptoms line up with alcoholic neuropathy. 2 wines a night for 17 years adds up I guess. I have quit drinking and have always had a very good diet. Doctors can’t really find anything wrong with me.
Dee
Just found this site. Really like the candor & information. I’m a female, have been a heavy drinker for over 10 years. Somehow, surprisingly, a functioning alcoholic? If you can call it that? I drink about 3 bottles of wine each day, at times more. I’ve tried to stop at times, but haven’t lasted more than 3 months.
I have recently experienced pain, pins/needles/ numbness in my left arm. I find it more difficult to type with my left hand. I’m really worried. Yet I say that with a glass of wine next to me. I hate this hold it has on me. Can I turn this around? Is there any hope for reversing this damage?
Dee
Anonymous
Not unless you stop drinking. Look into the Sinclair Method using Naltrexone.
Ryan McCaffery
Hi, Dee. Many of us have related our recovery story, so yes it is possible. But if you don’t stop drinking it’s going to get worse.
Nick
Appreciate all the info and encouragement on here. I started feeling numbness/tingling in my fingers and toes about two months ago and then it started in the rest of my feet and calves about four weeks ago. After 10-15 years of pretty regular/heavy drinking I immediately stopped and haven’t looked back (which seemed inconceivable before all this). Unfortunately, my doctor didn’t give me much information other than some prescriptions to get my vitamin levels up so I’ve been left with doing my own research on this. I’ve started finding leg stretches (nerve flossing) videos online and doing leg exercises every chance I get. The pain isn’t too bad but the muscle weakness and looking like I’m drunk when I walk is the worst. But I am determined to beat this. Any more advice or resources on how to deal with this will be appreciated.
JoAnne
I started drinking very heavily after my grandson died. I went months with barely eating and only drinking wine almost 24/7. I almost died. I am sober now 9 months and feel great mentally and spiritually but I have been diagnosed with neuropathy from a neurologist and testing. He advised me to change my diet and eat tons of fresh fruit and veggies. He also suggested alpha liporic acid. I get a b12 injection every month. I crave carbs and sugar since I quit drinking I’m in so much pain right now and have gained 40 lbs. I can’t do stairs and some days can’t walk. Reading all these stories has given me hope! With the holidays here and dieting is a little hard at times. I’ve decided that limiting sugar and losing this pain would be wonderful! I’m starting tomorrow! I’ll keep you informed. Oh since I’ve quit drinking the pain seems worse. I’m thinking now this might be a good sign I’m healing. God is good!
Ryan McCaffery
Joanne, best of luck and remember it’s toughest at the beginning of your recovery.
John
Stopped drinking about 4 or 5 months ago. Started out bad…pain, burning, difficulty walking. I want others to know that it takes time, and trial and error to find what works for you. For me it was specific vitamins and supplements along with physical therapy and exercise that really did the trick. Now I walk just fine and the only remaining symptoms are a little discomfort from clothes feeling like sandpaper. Legs will still cramp now and again, like once a week for five minutes. I feel it’s still getting better as well. Feel that it may go away completely in time. Wanted others to know it’s not all lost. You’ll get better and your life gets better. Don’t let the depression of this take hold –that’s the hardest part. Take care and feel free to ask questions. I check back often.
HealthClover
Very kind of you John to offer your support and advice. Thanks.
Charles C.
Could you tell us more about you, your story?
John
I suppose it started 8 years ago with the alcohol. Drank every day with a brief sober period of 6 months. Finally committed to full sobriety short of about a year ago. First noticed the numbness. Once I finally stopped completely it came on quick, about a week later. Couldn’t walk for 2 days then the burning, like skin ripping off my legs. I guess that lasted about a month. More numbness came and then the constant cramps, tingling, twitches, on and on. Nothing seemed to be going away. Met with doctors, therapists, so on. Finally started doing my own research, choosing certain vitamins that would help. Liquid b12, b1, fish oil, acetyl l carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, and a few others. Sorry if I misspelled any. Still getting better. Icy hot creams always help too with the sandpaper sensations. Still go back to the neurologist for checkups, testing through EKG here and there. Now it’s pretty minor. The doctor said it can take a while, maybe 2 years. I haven’t reached the 1 year mark yet so I’m pretty hopeful now, but when it all started…boy that was a pretty dark time. Ask away if you want to know more.
John
I meant to say EMG not EKG, I think. They tested the electric current in the legs. I also had blood tests done for vitamin levels as well.
Guillaume
Hey there, thanks for this post. Any thoughts on my case?
I have been sober for three months, after binge drinking on weekends for 10 years. My symptoms, most notably leg pain (especially the nerves behind the knee, at the back of the upper calf), have been constant if not worse. In fact they became evident only after I quit drinking (while drinking I would notice only hints of pain to come). It hurts when I stand and walk, but not really when I lie or sit.
Curiously, all my labs thus far were normal, including B1 and B12. And in three weeks I’m going to see a neurologist. But I am completely demoralized by the persistence of my symptoms, even though I’m a young male in his early thirties and have stopped drinking on a dime, as soon as I identified weight loss and troublesome symptoms as alcohol related.
Can it be that time will bring about some relief at long last? I live and work alone now, and it’s so hard not to be demoralized at the thought of this never getting better or even getting worse gradually. Could you describe like a timeline of your recovery? When was it that you started to notice some relief whereas early on “Nothing seemed to be going away”? How are you now?
Any words of support or advice would be welcome as I am awaiting another doctor’s appointment. The doctors are slow, disinterested, they want to see late stage and really bad numbers before they give you any treatment. They only left me in uncertainty and perplexity with the impersonal and ominous way they handled me thus far.
Thanks so much to you and to the person who started this website!
Ryan McCaffery
Hi, my symptoms weren’t as severe as yours, as I had tingling and burning in both hands. After cleaning up my diet and lifestyle, my symptoms started to get better after about month and were completely gone after 3-4 months. The timeline for recovery varies, but do stay encouraged. Most people see great improvement with time. I can relate to how you feel about doctors seeming disinterested, too. Just control what you can, and if you make positive changes I am positive your symptoms will improve in time.
MC555
Hi Guillaume,
I have very similar symptoms as you. I initially quit for a month and felt much better, then went on a 4 day binge and symptoms returned worse than before. It’s been 2 weeks sober now and no improvement (worse if anything). I’m hoping time helps heal. How have you been doing since your last post?
George St Clare
I am now 62 and drank most of my life, with binge drinking the last ten years or so. I quit drinking completely 15 months go – strangely enough I just felt I didn’t want to anymore. I had developed neuropathy by this time in both feet and left hand – no pain, but a sort of tingling and slight numbness – I can walk and use my left hand and nothing is getting worse, but want to improve matters – I take vitamins A, B1, B12, B Complex, C, D, E, Calcium, Glucosamine Sulphate, Magnesium, Cavinton and a few other supplements, but nothing has improved. I feel I need to get a lot more exercise, but is there anything else I should be doing apart from taking the vitamins and watching my diet?
Thanks, George
John
Hey George,
I had to really look into this and ask a pharmacist about supplements. I’ve learned that not all vitamins work the same way for everyone. There are a few different types of B12, for example. Also, it was physical therapy that helped me the most at first. They called it “nerve flossing.” It helped me loosen my muscle cramps and get things moving again. Once I felt fewer cramps then I started an exercise program. I can’t say that’s what’ll work for you, I’m not a doctor, but trial and error has been my best friend in this interesting path I’ve taken.
Fritz Snow
Good info!
Thanks.
FS
Dinah
This is a wonderful site! I believe I am dealing with neuropathy from alcohol after 2 years of heavy drinking vodka and whiskey. I am 33 days clean of alcohol, cigarettes, fatty processed foods. The nerve buzzing in arms, legs, back seems to be worsening just this last week. I’m taking prenatal and vitamin B complex, E, D, C. Hoping to find out what else may help. I had high liver enzyme levels and after 24 days, they are down almost HALF of what they were so I know I am indeed healing. I just hope I can get the nerves under control and they don’t get worse! Thank you for this site!
HealthClover
Thanks so much. There are many comments here from readers who have successfully reversed their nerve damage caused by heavy drinking. So stay encouraged!
Simon
Just a note of encouragement to anyone that has just come down with this. If you can give up alcohol it is possible to substantially reduce the pain and symptoms. It is a very slow and frustrating process, but stick with it and – gradually – you will see an improvement.
After maybe ten years of daily drinking I developed peripheral neuropathy. The onset was very sudden, after a fairly big night out I woke up with shooting pains and buzzing sensations in my toes, shins, fingers and abdomen, cold prickles in my arms. Felt terrible. I gave up drinking immediately, started on B12 and tried to improve my diet and exercise.
After eight months of not drinking my symptoms have subsided to almost nothing. I still occasionally feel a bit of faint buzzing in one leg or some jabs in my toes, but it’s not enough to bother me and I still seem to be improving.
Re. pain management, I found that a low carbohydrate diet greatly reduced pain and buzzing symptoms, especially early on when they were bad. If you’re suffering give it a shot, it will help.
Some (non-carb) foods also seem to temporarily make the pain a lot worse. I suspect it is food with high histamine levels but I’m not 100% sure. I eat a lot of nuts (daily) and aged cheese that are supposedly “high histamine” without any problems, it seems to be mainly things that are not fresh or that have been poorly stored that have a noticeable impact. Fish sauce and cheap processed ham are fairly reliable ‘ouch’ foods, although my tolerance to those seems to be slowly improving as well.
So: The situation is not hopeless, stick with it, be patient and good luck!
HealthClover
Thanks for relating your experience and for the kind words of encouragement.
Walter
When I was in college, ten years ago, I partied but since then have been on other medication that didn’t agree with alcohol, so I didn’t drink. About a month, maybe two months ago (two months at the very most), I started drinking again after having not touched alcohol for years. I’ve only just turned 31. But the past month, two months whatever, have been particularly different as I’ve been working ’round the clock at night (I’m a full-time, single father of a 3 y/o old) to finish a work project that’s due by month’s end. A few weeks ago, I realized I’ve been having drinks almost every night. And, though I know that wasn’t a good thing, about two weeks ago in the mornings I’d wake up with some intense cramping in my calf-muscles that’d be so intense I’d literally cry into my pillow. Well, the past week or so I’ve noticed that the pain has now extended to both legs – selectively – and have feared but just now discovered the vodka-tonics may be the cause. Is this possible after just weeks of alcohol abuse?
tbiz
I’m 41, I hardly ever drink at all these days. We’re talking one or two drinks every other month. If that! I’ve been that way for the past several years. Even before that I was never a big drinker. But for about 2-3 years of my early 30s I drank a lot more often. I would say about 3-4 times a week and probably at least once a month I got pretty smashed (like 8+ drinks).
In the past 5 or so years I have noticed that when I do have a drink, even though it might be just two regular vodka drinks, the next day, my right forearm is in some serious pain for the whole day, and for the following week I get some pretty severe numbness, coldness, and tingling in my right arm and hand.
The symptoms surely point to alcoholic neuropathy but given that my past has never been that extreme (at least not compared to the above comments) what is the likelihood that I’m dealing with AN? Is there an actual test available to determine this is what I’m dealing with? I don’t mind not drinking, but once or twice a year it’s nice to let loose with friends. For now I’m obviously cold turkey until my doctor visit.
Thanks
HealthClover
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms are usually symmetrical, in that both arms or both legs have the same tingling sensation.
Randy Vaughan
I have been clean from drinking over 3 years won’t touch the stuff. I have nerve damage in my hands, feet, legs. Have nerve problems about every 4 months, just a bad night then ok. 42 years old, and take a men’s multivitamin.
Catherine
I quit drinking 6 months ago and the neuropathy is getting worse. I take a B complex vitamin, alpha lipoic acid, serrapeptase, milk thistle, black seed oil, vitamin D, and my diet consists of mainly organic fruits and vegetables. Not sure what else to do. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Ralph
I’ve been sober for ten months after over thirty years of drinking. My neuropathy seems to be getting worse also. I’ve read it could take a few years for these awful symptoms to start to get reversed. I think your on the right track. My symptoms seem to be focused on my groin area. Can be extremely painful. Good luck to you.
Mary
I too feel like my neuropathy has gotten worse since I stopped drinking seven months ago. I assumed it was because my drinking actually masked the neuropathy, and now that I am sober, there is nothing to ease the pain.
Samuel
Thanks to this site I have finally diagnosed myself with peripheral neuropathy. No thanks to the practicing physicians! Been dealing with this pain for about 5 years and been to countless doctors who were of no help. Guess you have to take matters into your own hands and learn for yourself. What do they teach these idiots in med school?
Thank you for all the comments and advice! I am a little unclear as to which B vitamins are the best for this, if someone could clear that up for me I would appreciate it. I used alcohol as a pain reliever for a ruptured tendon in my foot about 8 years ago. After a failed surgery in 2010, I finally had it fused in 2016 but still pain, and now I know what at least 60% of the pain was from. I know it will not be easy but I am determined to get over this. Already started a strict diet and ditched the alcohol. Thanks again all for your help. Do you take Medicaid?? haha
HealthClover
I understand your frustration with the doctors. They could not diagnose my peripheral neuropathy either. I self-diagnosed and self-treated based on my own research.
Good to hear you were able to diagnose yourself and are on the path to recovery now. Thanks for your kind words and I’m glad the information here has helped you. No Medicaid required. Best of luck and let us know how it goes and what works for you.
Steven
This website gave me hope. But reading that you self diagnosed and medicated makes me doubtful in regards to my prospects for recovery.
Was yours a nutritional based neuropathy or one caused by the toxicity of alcohol? This is a crucial difference since the toxic type is usually not reversible. Since all my blood work came back normal (no nutritional deficiencies), I highly doubt that mine is treatable.
I drank 4-6 glasses of wine daily for 10 years. Been sober for 5 weeks but neuropathy is getting worse. Mine is attacking the small fiber of my legs and arms. Hopefully I can recover.
Guillaume
Hello, your case sounds a lot like mine. May I ask if you experienced any recovery meanwhile? I have been sober for three months, but my symptoms, most notably leg pain (upper calf/lower quad in both legs), have been constant if not worse. I’m losing hope slowly.
How are you doing now?
Steven
Unfortunately keeps getting worse.
I now have neuropathy in both legs and arms. Only the small fibers are affected but it’s moving fast.
What about you?
Brad
I have been a heavy drinker for 40 years. I drank two to three bottles of wine every day the last 18 months. A month ago I went to bed and my feet started to feel like they were full of cement. Within five days I had horrific pain in my feet and shins. I am bedridden. I have stopped drinking and my doctor has put me on Gabapetin. He said it will take some time to work. I hope the nerve damage can be reversed.
HealthClover
Hang in there. Please update us later on how beneficial the Gabapetin is for relieving the pain.
Brad
Thank you. I will.
Jamie
Gabapentin didn’t work for me, nor Lyrica. That new drug is a joke. Pharma pharma money money! I have a 65 year old Russian neurologist who said that won’t work, but this will help you and she gave me Nortriptyline Hcl 10. Five at night every night. It’s been 10 months so far and although I could barely walk when I was in the hospital for drinking vodka like a kid with candy, it’s made a huge difference and I’m not done. I too have cement legs! Feet have no feeling but they are sensitive. So hard to explain to people! At least I can walk now up and down stairs. Up is easier. Ask about the 1960’s drug Nortriptyline. And I quit booze and cigarettes the same day I went in and I’m 10 months strong, but we have to be stronger. Now we have to diet right. Vitamins help but sugar is our devil. Ask about that. Peripheral neuropathy links to diabetes 1 and 2. Ask and read about raw onions too! Sounds weird but we gotta help each other out and spread the positives that help you (what worked what didn’t).
Deb
I haven’t had a drink in 3 1/2 years and peripheral neuropathy just started. But I already have spinal stenosis and bulging discs. I’m only 60. I think 40 years of drinking hard ruined my health. Don’t know if any of it can be reversed. The doctor says no way.
HealthClover
Sorry to hear about that, but don’t give up hope. A lot of us were able to reverse our neuropathy by staying sober and living healthy.
James
If the pain goes away completely after quitting, are you able to reintroduce alcohol in moderation back into your lifestyle at any point, say 1 year, 3 year, etc?
HealthClover
I did, so yes. But the trick is can you successfully adjust to drink alcohol in moderation?
Cheryl Semon
I have been drinking nightly for about 40 years. Have neuropathy in both legs up to mid thigh. I do now have severe pain in both feet. I take Lyrica for the pain and it is a miracle drug! I know I need to quit drinking and smoking (another bad habit). I’m mentally working on this. I have no balance due to the numbness. I basically feel my feet, but have tingling and a numb like feeling. I give myself a B12 injection weekly. That helps. The Lyrica helps. I wanted to know if complete sessation of alcohol would reverse the neuropathy. I’m tired of using my stupid walker.
Jessica
I have thoracic spinal stenosis but binge drink sometimes and can’t determine whether the pain is from the alcohol or the spine issue. How can I differentiate between the two? Sometimes the tingling and pain happens after drinking but sometimes not. Just laying a certain way causes the tingling in my legs and feet. Sometimes pain. I don’t know? Honestly, I don’t want to give up drinking completely, binging yes, a glass or two of wine once a week, no. Idk?
John Preston
For liver repair I have read that the herb “milk thistle” can be helpful. I’ve taken it in tea form (with other herbs like “nettle”) and by capsule, just for general liver health. I have a friend with serious alcoholic peripheral neuropathy in mostly his legs. He can’t walk anymore. The neuropathy is moving to his hands because he continues to drink. Once, the supplement called “vinpocetine” helped when he couldn’t open one hand. It is said to help with blood flow. Both milk thistle and vinpocetine are worth Googling. One last thing: my friend’s doctor told him, when asked, that a beer or two now and then would be ok. Imho, that was not the thing to say!
Martin
Just now learning that my heavy beer drinking is the real cause of excessive pain in my back, legs, etc. Couple of days now without alcohol and it seems I gotta accept the diagnosis of neuropathy damage and begin healing! I am relying on yoga to help relieve this unbearable pain. Thanks for the remedies learned here.
HealthClover
Good luck with your recovery, Martin. Glad you made the connection between your alcohol use and peripheral neuropathy.
Kris
I am a 41 years old woman who has been a fairly heavy drinker for almost 10 years. For the last 2 or 3 years I have had nerve pain in my feet. 6 months ago, I started having nerve pain in my left shoulder and arm. 3 days ago, I started getting nerve pain in both hands. I never thought the feet or left shoulder pain was alcohol related until I looked up what can cause nerve pain in the hands. This has been very helpful information. Only 2 days sober, but plan for it to be a permanent thing. Later today, I will be stocking up on vitamins and healthier foods. Here’s to hoping for a full recovery, or at least being mostly pain free. I really wish there was a way for more people to know about this, like have warning labels on alcohol, “May lead to painful nerve damage”.
HealthClover
Yes, unfortunately most people don’t realize that alcohol abuse can lead to peripheral neuropathy until it happens to them. I like your idea about the warning label. Wish you the best with your recovery.
Jamie
Yeah, I wish I knew losing your feelings in your feet and legs could happen from drinking too! I’m 10 months sober. We have to fight this with sobriety, too. Just be strong and pretend there’s no such thing as alcohol to you. Lyrica made me dumb and slow and forgetful. So my doc put me on the 70’s miracle drug Nortriptyline. 10 months ago I had a walker and now I’m walking up stairs and around the block at normal speed! Listen to me as an angel on your shoulder.
No booze. No cigarettes. Sugar is next. We have to get it out of our diet. Take the B vitamins and folic acid that the doctor recommends. Nice to talk to people who understand this pain. We will overcome! Let’s set an example and help each other!
Stev
I came to this site to find if alcohol related neuropathy could be reversed. My feet were totally numb and now they tingle and I have some feeling. I’m glad to report that I think I’m on the mend. Thanks for the info on this site.
HealthClover
Glad to hear you are feeling better and happy we could help.
Ricky
I have had such a terrible 5 months of tingling, pins and needles. Felt like my nerves were vibrating everywhere. After I quit drinking last week and put myself on one vitamin B complex tablet a day plus a multivitamin pill, am glad to say all the symptoms have minimised to about 90%. Still having insomnia but great article.
Dreamsawake
Going on a year of painful pins and needles from what I think is from alcohol. Nerve tests and biopsy is negative but I feel like someone has skinned me alive. Even clothes are painful. When does it stop?
HealthClover
Unfortunately not even the doctors can tell you when or if the neuropathic pain will stop. Just do everything you can to give your body the best chance to heal itself.
Emma
My partner has had peripheral neuropathy for 7 years now. He was a heavy drinker but not dependent and quit drinking strait away. Unfortunately the pain has gotten worse and worse and now basically has taken over his life. He’s on highly addictive fentanyl now and it’s not working properly. Don’t know what else he could try he’s tried everything.
HealthClover
Really sorry to hear about your partner’s situation. Unfortunately, as I am not a doctor I can only relay what worked for me to relieve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. I wish you the best.
Jan
I drank socially for a while, then binged for a couple of years. After not drinking at all, I was sick and was put on cipro. I have painful, horrible neuropathy that is blamed on alcohol. I have been to family doctors and neurologists. I am sick to my stomach over what I believe is a cover up. I take vitamins etc. and my B6 level is actually extremely high. Help?
Trying to be helpful
Sometimes too much B6 can contribute to neuropathy-like symptoms.
Ted
My neuropathy reached a point where I could barely walk. Looked like I was drunk, when sober. Couldn’t play sports…it was the worst.
I had tried all vitamin and mineral supplements, but didn’t get better until I went and had an IV of B-12. You can also get shots. It has helped a lot…almost back to normal.
Kim
I am 3 months sober. Oddly the pain did not begin right after I quit but instead after about a month of sobriety. I began feeling burning and sometimes stabbing pains in my feet. I have been to doctors and neurologists. I am taking Gabapentin but with no relief. I have also tried Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement but the pain just seems to get worse and worse. Any suggestion would help. I am waking up in the middle of the night crying it hurts so much. Then I have to resign to taking an ibuprofen which I have been warned against as it is difficult for the liver to process.
HealthClover
For me what got the pain of neuropathy to finally go away was just changing my lifestyle and waiting for the body to heal itself, which took months. Start exercising every day and eat healthy foods. Make sure to keep your blood sugar level steady because that is what causes nerve damage. So no sugary foods and try to eat complex carbohydrates and healthy fats like olive oil. Good luck!
William
Your R-Lipoic Acid should say STABILIZED. Which is far better. Also add vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) and B12 (methylcobalamin). Far better than the old B1 and B12.
And do what ever you can not to drink alcohol! I switched to naturally flavored seltzer water.
Adam
No, ibuprofen is practically liver safe. But it can be hard on the stomach and kidneys, though. You would be better off on fluoxetine or a similar SSRI than pain relievers. The tingling is actually a good sign. Neuropathy that is healing itself actually gets a fair bit worse before it gets better. You actually need to worry about reversibility when you have numbness. It is one of the syndromes that causes relapse when a chronic alcoholic can’t stand the feeling of their nerves healing.
Hang in there, and whatever you do don’t drink to cope…
Toomanydoubles
I have had annoying tingling in my feet for about 6 weeks now. Agree with Dave Smith on the doctor’s diagnosis who wanted to put me on B12 for about 3 weeks and review. I thought it was a possible herniated disk from moving a heavy box around that time. Having dinner with a radiologist friend of mine, he said that’s unusual for both feet and said it sounded like neuropathy. Well I kind of freaked, whats that?
After some online research now I am pretty convinced it has been from my past 15 years as a heavy drinker at night. So, ugh, here goes my attempt at detox with a whole food diet and supplements to see if I can turn this boat around. Also at the suggestion of my friend, going to schedule a meeting with a neurosurgeon as a precaution. Thanks all of you for sharing.
HealthClover
Thanks for sharing your story and glad we could help in some way. Good luck with everything, and remember that neuropathy can be reversed if you make the necessary changes. I did it and so did others.
Jess
I’ve been a heavy drinker for about two years. I quit a month ago though because I was having tingling in my left arm. But I went on holiday last week and was drinking every night, and now the tingling in my arm is back, and also having a little pain in my heart.
HealthClover
You’ve got to listen to what your body is telling you and change your lifestyle for good. Nerve damage is progressive but can heal if you stop drinking in time.
Dave Smith
Long time beer drinker and I have severe burning in my feet. It’s horrible, to say the least. I have been to many doctors. Bunch of idiots. I know now that the problem is my drinking. Hard case to work on, but I’m trying. Best wishes to all those with peripheral neuropathy. Lyrica works best for me, but it’s not a cure all. Any suggestions out there? Thanks much. DS.
HealthClover
What worked for me was changing my diet and getting my blood sugar under control. Peripheral neuropathy is usually caused by long term high blood sugar, and alcohol is quickly converted to sugar in the body. The neuropathic pain in my hands went away over a period of many months after changing my diet and lifestyle. Good luck with it, and let us know how it goes for you.
Gretchen Rankin
Please send me any specific diet regimens for alcoholic neuropathy and vitamin or herb intervention. I am one year sober with painful symptoms. Anything natural.
HealthClover
Gretchen, vitamin B tablets are sometimes helpful for neuropathy. A healthy, balanced diet based on fresh, whole foods is recommended. High blood sugar is another major cause so stay away from simple carbohydrates and sugars. And don’t forget regular exercise. My neuropathy symptoms went away after about 3 months. Good luck!