Do you suspect you or someone you love may have wet brain syndrome (WBS), also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome? It is essential to identify wet brain symptoms and, if needed, get admitted into a wet brain treatment program. Call 888.341.3607 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable and compassionate team at Ashwood Recovery about our alcohol addiction treatment program and how participating can help with WBS symptom management.
What Is Wet Brain Syndrome?
WBS is a condition caused by a deficiency of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. This deficiency can come from an inadequate diet or from alcohol abuse. The lack of thiamine affects two areas of the brain—the hippocampus and the mamillary bodies—leading to memory problems, confusion, disorientation, difficulty speaking, and impaired motor skills.
Wet brain symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. Common symptoms include:
- Disorientation
- Difficulty speaking
- Impaired motor skills, such as balance or gait disturbances
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty forming new memories or learning new information
- Confusion between past and present events
- Agitation or irritability
- Vision changes
- Poor judgment
If you or someone you love experiences any of these symptoms for an extended period without explanation or relief from medical treatment, it could be a sign of WBS.
Is Wet Brain Treatment Possible?
Although there is no cure for WBS once it has fully developed—also known as Korsakoff’s psychosis—treatments can help reduce some of its symptoms. Wet brain treatments include:
- Vitamin B1 supplements to address deficiencies in thiamine levels
- Medications, such as anticonvulsants to control seizures
- Psychotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Nutrition counseling
- Emotional support
It’s important to note that treatment should be tailored to each patient’s needs and focus on addressing their physical and mental health needs.
What Is the Link Between Wet Brain and Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction—also called alcohol use disorder or alcoholism—is one of the most common causes of WBS due to its effects on thiamine levels in the body. Prolonged alcohol abuse interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food sources, leading to vitamin deficiencies like those associated with wet brain syndrome.
It is vital for people struggling with alcoholism to get help before their drinking progresses too far and results in a diagnosis of WBS. Fortunately, many helpful programs are available—such as the alcohol addiction treatment program at Ashwood Recovery—that can help individuals regain control of their lives before developing this debilitating condition due to prolonged alcohol abuse.
What to Expect from Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs
The goal of alcohol addiction treatment programs is to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction while restoring their overall physical and mental health so they can lead healthy lives. Treatment typically involves:
- A combination of medications for withdrawal management
- Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group counseling sessions
- Relapse prevention planning
- 12-Step meetings
- Nutrition education classes
- Wellness activities, such as yoga or meditation classes
- Aftercare planning
- Family support services, if needed
By working closely with a medical care provider, you can find an individualized plan tailored just for your case, so long-term sobriety can be achieved and WBS properly managed.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Idaho at Ashwood Recovery
If left untreated, WBS can cause permanent damage to both physical and mental functioning. That’s why it’s crucial for people who think they may have this condition—or are at risk due to excessive drinking—to seek professional help immediately. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to reverse the damage WBS causes to the brain and the body. Contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 to learn more about wet brain symptoms, wet brain treatment, and how our knowledgeable and compassionate team can help you or your loved one overcome alcohol addiction.