Addiction Recovery Services in Greenland, New Hampshire Publishes New Blog Post Discussing What is Wet Brain Syndrome

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a misunderstood affliction, and Addiction Recovery Services aims to provide educational resources on the multifaceted topic. Addiction Recovery Services is based in Greenland, New Hampshire, and serves communities in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Southern Maine. The center recently announced a new publication on their blog discussing “wet brain syndrome” and how it affects the mind and health of someone living with AUD.

“Wet brain syndrome is a serious condition but treatment is available,” says an Addiction Recovery Services representative. “The sooner a person can get into a treatment program, the better chance they have at overcoming their addiction.”

Alcohol use disorder affects an estimated 29.5 million people in the United States aged 12 and older, and alcohol is the number 2 leading cause of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and more health issues. Wet brain syndrome is a health complication many people living with AUD can develop over their lifetime.

Wet brain syndrome, often referred to as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, is a memory disorder that is caused by an extreme deficiency in Vitamin B1. This lack of Vitamin B1 triggers the degradation of the hippocampus, causing memory loss. Other areas of the brain are affected as well, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. These centers control vision, speech, movement, coordination, sleep patterns, and other important facets of human function.

Slurred speech, movement and balance issues, memory loss, and misremembering events are all side effects of wet brain syndrome. The condition progresses with several symptoms, starting with confusion, worsening vision, hypothermia, low blood pressure, and lack of muscle coordination. As the condition becomes more severe, symptoms include amnesia, tremors, disorientation, and coma.

“Certain people are at a higher risk of developing wet brain syndrome. These people include those who have diabetes, HIV/AIDS, eating disorders, mental health issues, and malnutrition. Also, people who experience recurring alcohol poisoning or engage in binge drinking can develop wet brain syndrome early,” states the blog post.

Wet brain syndrome can be permanent or life-threatening if gone unchecked, but if caught early, it’s possible to reverse the effects. Extensive B1 replacement therapy is the first step in treating the condition. Proper diet and refraining from alcohol can help the brain heal over time, though it may take years.

For their alcohol addiction treatment program, Addiction Recovery Services provides a two-pronged approach. The first is their intensive outpatient program, which involves a 5-week therapy course where people meet for three hours a day, four days a week. The second is their medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use disorder, which is an evidence-based approach to using medication to treat physiological alcohol cravings for long-term results. Only patients enrolled at Addiction Recovery Services will receive MAT treatment.

“Anyone is welcome in our program. Whether you have gone through detox, are new to treatment, or are not quite sure what you are looking for, we can help. Our compassionate staff is here to guide you along your recovery journey. With our intensive outpatient program, our clients also have the freedom to continue working and living at home,” says the representative.

To learn more about Addiction Recovery Services and their programs for alcohol use disorder can reach out to them at 978-228-5853 or visit their website. They are available to answer any questions or schedule appointments.