There is little doubt now regarding the dangers and detriments of even occasional drinking, such as poor decision-making, potential automobile accidents, and various short-term health afflictions. However, these pale in comparison to the dangers of long-term alcohol consumption, which can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD) and even premature death. Long-term alcohol use can also lead to symptoms of wet brain and serious physical and mental consequences.
What Exactly Is Wet Brain?
“Wet brain” is the colloquial term for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. According to the peer-reviewed write-up Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, “The cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a deficiency of thiamine or vitamin B1. Individuals with poor nutrition for any reason are at risk for this disorder. The most common social factor associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is chronic alcohol abuse, leading to decreased absorption and utilization of thiamine.”
Essentially, wet brain occurs due to nutrition deficiencies. Also, many people don’t realize how nutrient-deficient people with AUD can become. According to the article Mechanisms of Vitamin Deficiencies in Alcoholism, “Chronic alcoholic patients are frequently deficient in one or more vitamins. The deficiencies commonly involve folate, vitamin B6, thiamine, and vitamin A. Although inadequate dietary intake is a major cause of the vitamin deficiency, other possible mechanisms may also be involved. Alcoholism can affect the absorption, storage, metabolism, and activation of many of these vitamins.” These vitamin deficiencies can lead to serious symptoms of wet brain.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Wet Brain?
The signs and symptoms of wet brain tend to be very visible. However, they may show up over time rather than all at once. Thus, it is crucial to be vigilant for the early signs so help can be sought sooner than later.
The following are just a few of the symptoms of wet brain:
- Becoming easily confused
- Having an extreme lack of energy; lethargy
- Trouble with vision and experiencing involuntary eye movements and double vision
- Experiencing a lack of coordination and having trouble standing and balancing
- Trouble with memory and experiencing bouts of amnesia
- Experiencing both auditory and visual hallucinations
- Lacking motivation and having trouble with decision-making
- Remembering events inaccurately and making up false stories
Now, while these symptoms can be very severe, they are treatable. However, if not treated promptly and properly, some symptoms of wet brain can be long-lasting.
Ways to Best Treat the Symptoms of Wet Brain
Nutrient replenishment is the first step in treating the symptoms of wet brain. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Early symptoms of Wernicke’s disease can be reversed if detected and treated promptly and completely; therefore, Wernicke’s disease should be considered a medical emergency. Doctors treat Wernicke’s disease with intravenous administration of vitamin B1 and glucose. Treatment may also consist of addressing co-occurring symptoms in the short term.”
Now, while treating the immediate physical issues of wet brain is critical, it is also vitally important to create a plan to treat the cause of wet brain: AUD. This is the only way that one can truly recover from wet brain because if the underlying issues of addiction are not treated, the cycle will simply continue, and this includes worsening symptoms of wet brain over time. The good news is that many effective programs can help one get over wet brain and start to recover from AUD.
Healing Wet Brain in Colorado
Some of the best recovery centers in the country can be found in Colorado. These include the recovery facilities offered by The Redpoint Center.
To heal wet brain, one not only has to replenish the necessary nutrients but also has to fully detox from alcohol. This is a very serious process and should always be done in the care of professionals. Many people don’t realize that alcohol is one of the few substances that can actually be fatal to detox from.
Once this detox is completed, it is also important to get an individual started on a recovery plan right away. This may include inpatient care at first, but can also include an effective intensive outpatient program (IOP). An effective IOP can help to ensure that a person stays accountable to their recovery plan, while also allowing them to stay engaged with their day-to-day lives. An IOP also allows individuals to fully integrate into a helpful recovery community (of which Colorado has many).
Healing in Colorado With The Redpoint Center
Here at The Redpoint Center, we know that the symptoms of wet brain are serious and can be scary. However, we also know that there is a way to recover. We are here to help that recovery every step of the way. The first step, however, has to happen with the individual.
There is healing in Colorado. Here at The Redpoint Center, we can help that healing happen.
“Wet brain” can be a scary thing, and many people even see it as something that one cannot come back from. This is simply not true. Healing is possible and The Redpoint Center can help make that happen. However, the first step is detecting the symptoms of a wet brain, which can only happen after one reaches out for help. If you think that you or someone you love may be struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path to a healthy recovery. For more information about wet brain and how to best treat it, please contact The Redpoint Center today at (303) 710-8496.
