Substance guides

Alcoholic neuropathy: Nerve damage from chronic drinking

Published June 10, 2025 · 7 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.

Alcoholic neuropathy affects approximately 25-66% of chronic heavy drinkers. It results from both the direct toxic effects of alcohol on nerves and nutritional deficiencies caused by chronic drinking.

Symptoms

Numbness and tingling in hands and feet (stocking-glove distribution). Burning or shooting pain. Muscle weakness. Loss of balance and coordination. Sensitivity to touch. Difficulty with fine motor tasks.

Progression

Symptoms typically begin in the feet and progress upward. Without intervention, the damage extends to hands, lower legs, and eventually affects autonomic function (blood pressure regulation, digestion, sexual function).

Treatment

Abstinence from alcohol (essential to halt progression). B-vitamin supplementation (especially thiamine, folate, B12). Pain management (gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine). Physical therapy for strength and balance. Some nerve damage is reversible with sustained abstinence and nutritional rehabilitation; advanced damage may be permanent.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: NIDA · SAMHSA · CDC

Frequently asked questions

Can alcoholic neuropathy be reversed?

Early-stage neuropathy can improve significantly with abstinence and B-vitamin supplementation. Advanced nerve damage may be permanent.

How much drinking causes neuropathy?

Risk increases significantly with heavy daily drinking for 5+ years. Nutritional deficiency accelerates damage.

What does alcoholic neuropathy feel like?

Numbness, tingling, burning, or shooting pain in feet and hands. Often worse at night.

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.