Most everyone is familiar with common conditions associated with alcohol misuse. Cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease are all prevalent and at the forefront of alcohol use disorder. But what is happening to the brain? Can prolonged heavy drinking cause permanent damage?
Addiction Recovery Services in Greenland, New Hampshire has helped many to find successful recovery from alcohol use disorder. Today, we are educating our communities about wet brain syndrome. What is wet brain syndrome? Let’s explore this further.
What Is Wet Brain Syndrome?
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Wet brain syndrome scientifically is referred to as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is a memory disorder caused by a severe lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Over time, this lack of B1 causes brain damage that can become permanent. The term “wet brain” was coined due to the condition being common among those with alcohol use disorder. Poor nutrition equates to the main cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
How Alcohol Affects the Brain
The primary area of the brain that alcohol affects is the hippocampus. This area is responsible for memory creation and retrieval. Memory recall becomes difficult when this area becomes damaged from excessive heavy drinking. New memories will not form properly and can be misremembered or never created at all. In the case of wet brain syndrome, memory loss can be lessened with proper treatment and care. However, if the condition has progressed, memory may never fully return.
Side Effects of Alcohol Use Disorder
Side effects of alcoholism can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Malnutrition
- Nausea
- Memory loss
Alcohol use disorder is not linear. Some will experience more side effects than others and they can progress at different times. If the side effects become life-hindering or you experience alcohol withdrawal, it is time to talk to medical professionals.
The Characteristics of a Wet Brain
In those with wet brain syndrome, the brain has less volume and larger cavities. Once this volume is gone, it can take years to repair. The chances that it is able to recover fully are slim to none. Besides the hippocampus, the thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebellum are also hindered. These areas control many different functions such as vision, movement, language, and sleep patterns.
The Potential Risk of Developing Wet Brain
Wet brain syndrome is characterized specifically by a vitamin B1 deficiency. While most common in those with alcohol use disorder, the condition can occur for other reasons as well. Those with diabetes or HIV/AIDS are at risk for developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Poor nutrition from environment or mental health conditions such as eating disorders are also at a higher risk of development.
For those who binge drink and have experienced alcohol poisoning, wet brain syndrome is at a higher risk of developing early. Say you and your friend drink every day. He has one glass of wine each night while you have two bottles. Often you find yourself blacking out or losing consciousness. You will be more likely to develop wet brain syndrome while your friend may only ever experience very slight symptoms later in their life.
Signs And Symptoms of Wet Brain
There are two different stages of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s amnesic syndrome. Wernicke’s encephalopathy describes the acute phase while Korsakoff’s amnesic syndrome refers to the chronic stage. In Wernicke’s encephalopathy, symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Worsening or changes in vision
- Hypothermia
- Low blood pressure
- Lack of muscle coordination
As the disease progresses into Korsakoff’s amnesic syndrome, symptoms worsen and include:
- Amnesia
- Tremors
- Disorientation
- Coma
About 50% of people who have Wernicke’s encephalopathy will develop Korsakoff’s amnesic syndrome. For those with alcohol use disorder, the number rises to 80%.
If you or a loved one are showing signs of alcoholism as well as symptoms of wet brain syndrome, seek medical attention. Brain damage can be permanent and disabling. The sooner treatment is started, the greater the chances are that memory and function can return.
The treatment for wet brain syndrome is vitamin B1 replacement. Once enough replacement has been established, a nutritional replenishment treatment will take place. After finishing treatment, it is very important to follow dietary recommendations and stop alcohol consumption.
Getting Treatment for Alcoholism
Your brain is essential for all of life. Finding recovery from alcohol use disorder can help repair the damage done and get you back on track to a healthy lifestyle. Addiction Recovery Services has a full team of supportive staff to help you find recovery. Our alcoholism treatment options consist of:
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) – our IOP program is designed for our clients’ many different needs. Most have either already done detox and residential treatment, are new to treatment and not sure what they need, or are wanting treatment while being able to still work and be home. We offer therapy four days a week for three hours a day. This program typically lasts 5 weeks but is adjustable for individual needs.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – we are proud to offer MAT as a treatment option for our clients because it’s been proven effective in the treatment of alcoholism. Our staff monitors each client and provides medication to help relieve physiological cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Is Wet Brain Reversible?
If caught early and treated, some can recover from wet brain. This recovery is slow and oftentimes incomplete. The brain will begin to rebuild damaged areas but it may not be able to bring them back to full capacity. Stopping alcohol use can prevent further damage.
Wet brain syndrome can be causing damage even when you are not drinking. Addiction Recovery Services is here to provide medical, mental, and emotional treatment to prevent further harm to yourself or your loved one. Call us today at 978-228-5853 to learn more about our program and facility.
FAQs About Wet Brain
How does someone get a wet brain?
Wet brain is caused by a vitamin B1 deficiency. It is most commonly seen in those with alcohol use disorder, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and eating disorders.
What does wet brain mean?
Wet brain refers to damage caused by poor nutrition. It is classified as a memory disorder.
Is wet brain dangerous?
If left untreated, wet brain can cause permanent brain damage that can lead to disabilities.