Alcoholic Neuropathy: Signs, Tests and a Practical Recovery Plan
Alcoholic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by drinking heavily over a long period, usually felt first as burning, tingling or numbness in the feet. It develops slowly, so many people do not connect it with alcohol until the symptoms are well established. This practical guide explains how to recognise it, which checks help, and the steps that give the nerves the best chance to recover. Quick answer: Alcoholic neuropathy comes from the direct toxic effect of alcohol on nerves, often combined with poor nutrition and low B vitamins such as thiamine. The core treatment is stopping alcohol, correcting nutrition and replacing missing vitamins. Recovery is gradual, over months to years, and is more complete when drinking stops early. Key takeaways ✅ Symptoms usually start in both feet and creep upward over months or years. ✅ Alcohol damages nerves directly, and poor diet adds vitamin deficiencies. ✅ Vitamins alone rarely help while drinking continues. ✅ Stopping alcohol, with...