Alcoholic neuropathy is a serious condition that affects many individuals who have struggled with long-term alcohol abuse. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, most commonly in the hands and feet. If you or a loved one is facing this challenge, you’re probably asking: How long does alcoholic neuropathy take to go away? The answer isn’t simple, but there is hope for healing with the right care and support.
At Refine Recovery, a luxury residential and detox facility in Los Angeles, we provide a holistic and evidence-based approach to addiction recovery, addressing not just substance use but also the physical and neurological consequences that often accompany it—like alcoholic neuropathy.
What Is Alcoholic Neuropathy?
Alcoholic neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy, a condition where the peripheral nerves are damaged due to excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption. Alcohol is toxic to nerve tissue and can impair the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients such as B vitamins, which are crucial for nerve health. This combination of toxicity and malnutrition often leads to nerve damage over time.
Common Symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Sensitivity to touch
- Burning or sharp pain
- Balance and coordination issues
- Difficulty walking
- Bowel or urinary problems
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and if left untreated, may become permanent.
How Long Does Alcoholic Neuropathy Take to Go Away?
Alcoholic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage caused by excessive and prolonged alcohol use. It can result in symptoms like tingling, numbness, burning pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty with coordination—often starting in the hands and feet. The recovery timeline for alcoholic neuropathy varies widely depending on several key factors, including the extent of nerve damage, overall health, and, most importantly, whether the individual has entirely stopped drinking.
Mild to Moderate Cases
In cases where the nerve damage is still mild to moderate, and the person stops drinking early enough, recovery is possible. With the right treatment plan—typically including nutritional therapy, vitamin supplementation, physical therapy, and complete abstinence from alcohol—symptoms may begin to improve within a few weeks to several months.
These early improvements include reduced pain, restored sensation, and better coordination. However, complete nerve regeneration can still take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on how well the body responds to treatment and whether the individual remains sober.
Severe Cases
For individuals with long-term, chronic alcohol use and more advanced nerve damage, the healing process is significantly slower—and full recovery might not be possible. In these cases, symptoms may persist for several months to years, and some nerve damage could be permanent.
However, many people still experience meaningful symptom relief and improvement in daily functioning with the proper medical support. Treatments can help reduce pain, improve strength, and enhance mobility—even if a complete reversal of nerve damage doesn’t occur.
Key Factors That Influence Recovery Time
A combination of personal, behavioral, and clinical factors influences recovery from alcoholic neuropathy. These include:
- Duration and Intensity of Alcohol Use: The longer someone has been drinking heavily, the more extensive and irreversible the nerve damage tends to be. Chronic alcohol exposure creates cumulative damage to the peripheral nerves.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Many individuals with alcohol use disorder also suffer from deficiencies in critical nutrients—especially B vitamins like thiamine (B1), B6, and B12. These vitamins are essential for nerve health and repair. Supplementing these through a medically supervised program can significantly enhance recovery prospects.
- Level of Commitment to Sobriety: Ongoing alcohol use stops the healing process and can continue to cause further damage. Complete abstinence is a non-negotiable part of recovery from alcoholic neuropathy. Even occasional drinking can set back progress or worsen symptoms.
- Co-Occurring Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, or other types of neuropathy may complicate the picture and extend recovery time.
- Access to Professional Treatment: Individuals who receive comprehensive care—including medically supervised detox, nutritional therapy, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support—have a much better chance of improving their symptoms and regaining function.
Is Alcoholic Neuropathy Reversible?
In many cases, alcoholic neuropathy is at least partially reversible—especially if it’s caught early and the individual stops drinking altogether. The nerves have some ability to regenerate, and with the right treatment plan, including sobriety, nutritional support, and physical therapy, symptoms like numbness, tingling, or burning pain can gradually improve over time.
However, if the nerve damage is severe or the condition has progressed for many years, some damage may be permanent. Even so, treatment can still help manage symptoms and prevent further deterioration. The most critical first step in the healing process is to stop drinking entirely, giving the body a chance to repair itself and reducing the risk of continued nerve damage.
Healing from alcoholic neuropathy often coincides with the body beginning to recover from long-term alcohol damage as a whole. As nerve function starts to improve, many individuals also notice improvements in energy, digestion, and overall well-being. These can be subtle but meaningful signs your liver is healing from alcohol—a key organ involved in nutrient processing and toxin removal, both of which are critical for nerve repair. While nerve damage may take months or longer to resolve, liver recovery can often begin within weeks of sustained sobriety, further supporting the body’s ability to heal.
Treatment for Alcoholic Neuropathy
At Refine Recovery, we recognize that treating alcoholic neuropathy requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach that goes beyond symptom relief. Effective recovery involves addressing the root cause—chronic alcohol use—while simultaneously supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
Medical Detox and Stabilization
The first step in healing is safely stopping alcohol use. Our medical detox program provides around-the-clock clinical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. Stabilizing clients physically and emotionally creates a strong foundation for the rest of the recovery journey.
Nutritional Therapy
Chronic alcohol use often depletes the body of essential nutrients that support nerve health. At Refine Recovery, we restore these vital nutrients through individualized nutrition plans that include B-complex vitamins, folate, and antioxidants. This targeted nutritional support is critical in promoting nerve regeneration and improving overall well-being.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an essential component of recovery from alcoholic neuropathy. Our team of specialists designs movement-based rehabilitation plans that help rebuild strength, improve coordination, and restore balance. Regular movement also encourages blood flow and nerve healing, assisting clients to regain physical function and independence.
Pain Management
Managing nerve-related pain is essential for comfort and long-term recovery. Refine Recovery offers evidence-based and holistic pain management options tailored to each individual. Non-addictive medications may be used alongside complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, mindfulness, and meditation to reduce discomfort and support emotional regulation.
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
True healing from alcoholic neuropathy means addressing the addiction that caused it. Our luxury residential program in Los Angeles provides comprehensive addiction treatment that includes one-on-one therapy, group counseling, trauma-informed care, and experiential modalities like yoga, fitness training, and art therapy. We also incorporate family support and aftercare planning to ensure long-term success beyond residential treatment.
At Refine Recovery, we are committed to helping individuals not only manage the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy but also reclaim their health, autonomy, and purpose.
When to Seek Help
Alcoholic neuropathy often develops gradually, making it easy to dismiss early symptoms like tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the hands and feet. However, these signs should never be ignored—especially when paired with a history of long-term or heavy alcohol use. Left untreated, alcoholic neuropathy can progress to more severe complications such as muscle weakness, coordination problems, chronic pain, and even permanent nerve damage.
Seeking professional help early can significantly improve outcomes. Prompt intervention not only increases the chances of reversing nerve damage but also helps individuals begin the process of healing from alcohol dependence. A comprehensive approach that includes medical detox, nutritional rehabilitation, and addiction therapy is essential for long-term recovery.
At Refine Recovery in Los Angeles, we specialize in luxury, medically supervised addiction treatment designed to address both the physical and emotional impact of alcohol misuse. Our experienced team offers compassionate, personalized care in a private, supportive environment—empowering you or your loved one to reclaim health, restore balance, and build a life free from addiction.
Why Choose Refine Recovery for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Selecting the right treatment center is a critical decision—one that can profoundly shape the course of your recovery. At Refine Recovery, we understand that healing from alcohol addiction, particularly when compounded by complications like alcoholic neuropathy, requires more than just abstinence. It demands a comprehensive, compassionate, personalized approach rooted in clinical excellence and holistic support.
Our Los Angeles facility offers a luxurious private environment to promote rest, restoration, and long-term growth. Clients benefit from upscale accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and customized nutritional guidance that supports nerve repair and overall wellness. Our multidisciplinary team of medical and therapeutic professionals develops tailored treatment plans that address each individual’s physical health, emotional needs, and lifestyle goals.
Beyond traditional therapy, Refine Recovery incorporates holistic modalities such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and art therapy to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Surrounded by the peaceful backdrop of Los Angeles, clients find the space and serenity needed to engage in the healing process fully.
We believe that proper recovery begins when individuals are empowered with the right tools, resources, and environment. Whether you’re coping with the effects of alcoholic neuropathy or seeking support for alcohol use disorder, Refine Recovery offers a path toward lasting change—with dignity, comfort, and expert care every step of the way.
