Wet brain syndrome (WBS)—also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome—is caused by thiamine deficiency. This severe vitamin B1 deficiency can cause cognitive impairment, vision concerns, memory impairment, and difficulty with movement. The leading cause of wet brain syndrome is chronic alcohol use, but it can also be caused by other factors such as poor nutrition, bariatric surgery, or HIV infection. Call 888.341.3607 to speak with someone from Ashwood Recovery’s knowledgeable and compassionate team about stopping the effects of wet brain syndrome and our alcohol addiction treatment program in Idaho.
What Is Wet Brain Syndrome?
WBS is an umbrella term for two distinct conditions:
- Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) – This condition involves confusion, difficulty with movement and coordination, double vision, memory impairment, and disorientation.
- Korsakoff syndrome (KS) – This condition primarily affects memory by causing severe amnesia.
Both conditions are caused by thiamine deficiency which is usually brought on by long-term alcohol abuse.
What Are Wet Brain’s Effects?
The symptoms of wet brain vary from person to person. Still, they may include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Poor short-term memory
- Difficulty forming new memories after the condition’s onset or anterograde amnesia
- Impaired vision, such as double vision or involuntary eye movements
- Personality changes, such as apathy or agitation
- Slurred speech
- Paranoia or hallucinations
It is important to note that stopping the effects of wet brain syndrome requires professional help. At Ashwood Recovery, we provide comprehensive wet brain treatment for our patients. We offer a personalized approach to stopping the effects of WBS, if possible.
Is Stopping the Effects of Wet Brain Syndrome Possible?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for WBS. However, treatments available can help manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. Wet brain treatment options include intravenous thiamine supplementation, a closely monitored diet rich in thiamine, regular vitamin B1 injections and participation in an alcohol addiction treatment program. Treatments may also involve medications to help manage more severe symptoms, such as confusion or hallucinations.
It’s important to note that these treatments only work if they are started early. Once permanent damage has been done to your brain cells, there is no way to reverse it.
What Is the Link Between Wet Brain and Alcohol Addiction?
Alcoholism is one of the leading causes of wet brain due to its effect on thiamine levels in your body—alcohol inhibits your body’s absorption of this essential vitamin which can lead to severe deficiencies over time if not appropriately addressed through dietary modification and supplementation with Vitamin B1 injections and supplements.
Suppose you or someone you love struggles with alcohol addiction. In that case, you should seek professional help immediately to prevent further deterioration from developing into full-blown WBS.
What to Expect from Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs
Most alcohol addiction treatment programs offer individualized plans tailored specifically toward addressing aspects related to helping patients with the following:
- Understanding addiction
- Learning healthier coping mechanisms
- Overcoming any mental health concerns
- Processing underlying trauma
- Addressing any spiritual struggles
- Sustaining sobriety
Overall, the goal is ultimately enabling patients to lead healthier lifestyles. These programs focus on providing a holistic approach towards recovery—offering therapy sessions, group support meetings, 12-Step program guidance, and more.
Find an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program in Idaho at Ashwood Recovery
WBS is an often underdiagnosed condition caused by a severe thiamine deficiency brought on by chronic alcohol abuse. Although there isn’t a cure yet, you can effectively manage its symptoms and reduce progression through proper diet modifications and medication management when necessary. Furthermore, if dealing with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help would greatly benefit you or your loved one since alcoholism plays a significant role in causing WBS.
If you need assistance overcoming alcohol addiction, look no further than Ashwood Recovery. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team and our robust services can provide everything necessary to overcome alcohol addiction and manage wet brain’s effects. Contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 and learn more about our wet brain treatment options and alcohol addiction treatment program.