Bend, OR – Serenity Lane is a local rehabilitation facility that provides outpatient services for people living with substance use disorders and alcohol use disorders. They recently published an article educating people about the symptoms of wet brain syndrome.
Wet brain syndrome occurs as a result of years of excessive drinking. But even before it sets in, long-term alcohol use has a severe effect on the body.
“Alcohol use, as a whole, impacts multiple systems within the body. The primary one it impacts is various organs in your digestive system, as that’s where it’s mainly processed. However, alcohol also gets into the bloodstream, broadening its area of effect.
The heart and brain are also two important organs that are affected by long-term alcohol use. For the brain in particular, the presence of alcohol impacts the communication pathways within the brain and body. It can influence things like balance, memory, speech, and decision-making. The more often your brain is exposed to alcohol, the more likely you are for physical damage to occur such as a reduction in neuron size,” the article says.
The name “wet brain” syndrome is used to refer to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. As the article explains, these are two separate disorders: Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis.
“Wernicke’s Encephalopathy develops because of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency due to long-term alcohol consumption. Sometimes just referred to as Wernicke’s disease, this condition is reversible if treated promptly.
Wernicke’s disease impacts the hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and thalamus within the brain. These areas control important functions like vision, movement, sleep, memory, language, and motivation.
If treatment isn’t sought, the person will develop Korsakoff’s psychosis, which isn’t reversible,” the article continues.
Korsakoff’s psychosis is very serious. The condition damages nerves, which impact the brain and spine. Korsakoff’s psychosis causes vision problems, memory loss, tremors, and disorientation.
“There’s one surefire way to avoid developing wet brain syndrome – ceasing alcohol consumption.
“The development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is more complex than simply long-term alcohol consumption. There’s no measurable amount of alcohol consumption that guarantees its development. Other factors also play a role such as other brain injuries, other substance use, your physical health, your age, and more.
“While we have learned that no level of alcohol consumption is innately safe, someone who drinks on rare occasions is very unlikely to develop this condition. If you’re concerned about the health of your brain, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor what you can do,” the article says.
Serenity Lane encourages anyone concerned about developing wet brain syndrome to find treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Serenity Lane has been aiding people in their journey of recovery from substance and alcohol use disorders since 1973. All of their programs have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). They have introduced many new programs in Oregon, such as residential step-down and outpatient programs that integrate residential and outpatient services. Serenity Lane is the provider of the only Addiction Counselor Training Program in Oregon. Some of their graduates are now offering their services through several treatment programs throughout the country.
People who are looking to learn more about the addiction treatment services available through Serenity Lane of Bend, Oregon can visit their website or contact them by telephone or email. Serenity Lane has live people ready to help place patients from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
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For more information about Serenity Lane Bend Outpatient Treatment, contact the company here:
Serenity Lane Bend Outpatient Treatment
Stephanie Edwards
541-485-1577
info@serenitylane.org
920 SW Emkay Dr Suite #104
Bend OR 97702
