What is wet brain (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) and how to avoid it

Alcohol addiction can impact your health in many negative ways. One of these is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or wet brain. This syndrome can damage several areas of the brain and disrupt cognitive and bodily functions. Severe cases of alcohol addiction can lead to wet brain. If you,or a loved one,are battling an alcohol use disorder (AUD), seek professional help right away to avoid developing more severe issues like wet brain.

Women’s Recovery offers alcohol addiction treatment in Colorado, specifically for women. Call today to get more information on gender-specific treatment options for a variety of substance use disorders, like alcohol addiction. Women helping other women is the focus of every treatment program at Women’s Recovery in Colorado. Call 833.754.0554 today to learn more.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome develops due to a vitamin B1 deficiency. AUD is one of the leading causes of chronic B1 deficiency. Also known as wet brain, this syndrome has two parts. The first part is Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which causes brain damage, specifically to the thalamus and hypothalamus. If the first part goes untreated, then the second part happens, which is Korsakoff syndrome. This part targets the brain’s nerve cells and affects things such as memory and spinal cord function. Most who develop Wernicke’s will also develop Korsakoff syndrome. A very small percentage–approximately 15%,will not. It is also possible to only develop Korsakoff syndrome without developing Wernicke’s first.

Addiction can take a strong hold on women. The guilt associated with it can make the addiction even worse if it is secretive, as well as paired with a co-occurring mental health condition. Finding a treatment program designed specifically for women and their unique needs can make the treatment experience much more comfortable and successful. Depending on the severity of the addiction, a treatment program such as a partial hospitalization program or outpatient treatment may be recommended.

If left untreated for too long, AUD can lead to other serious health concerns, like wet brain. Symptoms of wet brain can include:

• A noticeably compromised state of mental health
• A lack of voluntary muscle movement, known as Ataxia
• Unexplained vision issues, like double vision
• Low blood pressure
• Hypothermia
• Memory issues
• Hallucinations

If any of these symptoms arise, getting treatment for alcohol addiction right away is the best chance of recovering from the effects of wet brain.

Treatment for alcohol addiction at Women’s Recovery can include:

• Women’s outpatient program
• Women’s virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Women’s supportive housing
• Women’s trauma treatment
• Vivitrol program

Whatever treatment program you choose, you will experience treatment in a comfortable environment surrounded by women who understand what you are going through. The treatment team’s priority is getting you on the road to lifelong recovery.

Getting addiction treatment as soon as possible is the key to recovering quickly without the risk of developing more severe health conditions. Prolonged use of drugs or alcohol makes it harder to stop using the substances and affects your health negatively. If wet brain is caught early and treated promptly, there is a chance of some type of recovery. However, without treatment and prolonged alcohol use, the effects of both Wernicke’s and Korsakoff’s syndrome are long-term.

In addition to alcohol addiction, Women’s Recovery also treats a number of drug addictions, including addictions to marijuana and prescription drugs. Trauma treatment is also available, as well as dual diagnosis treatment for a co-occurring mental health disorder.

Contact the Women’s Recovery therapeutic team today at 833.754.0554, or complete the online inquiry form to learn more about the effects of alcohol misuse and what the treatment options are.