What Is Wet Brain Syndrome?
Can Wet Brain Be Treated?
The good news is that those who suffer from wet brain syndrome do not always experience all associated symptoms. When a person experiences Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, what actually happens is that Wernicke’s encephalopathy develops into Korsakoff’s psychosis over time. Those who enter residential alcohol detox early enough may catch wet brain syndrome while it is still in the Wernicke’s stage, thereby preventing the worst of their symptoms with immediate treatment.
Symptoms directly related to thiamine deficiency will begin to reverse with proper medical care. Severe brain damage will be harder to treat, so those who enter residential detox in the initial stages of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome may wish to choose a dual diagnosis facility with experience treating mental disorders.
Can Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome be prevented?
Not drinking or drinking in moderation and getting enough nutrition significantly reduce the risk of getting Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. If a heavy drinker does not quit, thiamine supplements and a good diet may reduce the chance of getting this condition, but it does not eliminate the risk. How much alcoholic content is in my drink?
How To Stop Drinking
If you’re looking to stop drinking, it’s important to remember that it can be a challenging process, but it’s absolutely possible. Here are some steps you can take to start your journey towards sobriety:
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Acknowledge the problem: Recognize that excessive drinking is negatively impacting your life and that you want to make a change. This self-awareness is crucial for taking the first step.
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Set clear goals: Define why you want to quit drinking and what you hope to achieve by doing so. Having specific, measurable goals can motivate you and give you something to work towards.
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Seek support: Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They can provide encouragement, understanding, and guidance throughout your journey.
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Consider professional help: If you’re struggling to quit on your own, seeking professional help can make a significant difference. A therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist can provide specialized support and guidance tailored to your needs.
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Remove triggers and temptations: Identify situations, people, or places that trigger your desire to drink and try to avoid them, at least in the early stages of your recovery. Clearing your living environment of alcohol can also be helpful.
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Find healthy coping mechanisms: Develop alternative ways to cope with stress, boredom, or other emotions that may have driven you to drink. Engage in activities you enjoy, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with supportive friends.
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Take care of yourself: Prioritize self-care by adopting healthy habits. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity. Taking care of your overall well-being can make it easier to resist the temptation to drink.
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Create a support network: Surround yourself with positive influences and individuals who support your decision to quit drinking. Attend support group meetings, therapy sessions, or join online communities where you can connect with others who are also on the path to recovery.
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Learn from relapses: If you do experience a setback and have a drink, don’t give up. Treat it as a learning opportunity, identify what triggered the relapse, and use it to strengthen your commitment to sobriety.
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Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. Reward yourself for achieving specific milestones or goals to stay motivated and reinforce positive behaviors.
Remember, quitting drinking is a personal journey, and it may take time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Alcohol Rehab
If you are searching for help for an alcohol problem, there are a number of national and local resources that can help you or your loved one with whatever substance abuse problem that you are suffering from.
Alcohol rehab can offer your loved one a number of services to help overcome substance abuse and learn the tools that are conducive with long-term sobriety. During alcohol rehab, one of the most common services offered is medically assisted detoxification.
Detox will generally last between 3 to 7 days and allow the patient to overcome withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms associated with a number of dangerous problems and issues such as anxiety, depression, irritability, rapid heart rate, tremors, fever, seizures, and more.
Along with medical detox, there are many different treatment modalities that are available to help patients who are suffering from addiction problems. For instance, behavioral psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is available in many treatment facilities to help patients learn more about substance abuse and better understand how these problems can affect someone.
One of the most common forms of behavioral therapy that are used in treatment programs is cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is used in many treatment centers and rehabs to help patients better identify the triggers that may influence or cause them to use. From there, clinicians will work to help change the way that patients think about these triggers and even make efforts to leave them in the past.
We have treatment centers in Ohio (Bluffs), Massachusetts (Swift River)and Texas (Texas Recovery Center) that can help you or your loved ones with their alcoholism and to better themselves.
If you or your loved one is looking into alcohol rehab, reach out today we are here to help you with your journey to recovery. Feel free to call us with any questions you may have!
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Disclaimer
All content is for informational purposes only. No material on this site, whether from our doctors or the community, is a substitute for seeking personalized professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard advice from a qualified healthcare professional or delay seeking advice because of something you read on this website.
Do you have more questions?
Leave a Reply
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Fran Sumner says: Once someone is at the end stage and still drinks how long would they have left?
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Suzanne Mac says:
Hi! Thanks for the information. I think your CDC recommendation has a typo. Shouldn’t it be “one drink for women & two for men’? Take care!
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Dr. David Zoeller M.D. says: Hey Suzanne! Great catch! I will have the editorial team switch that around. Hope you are well!
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Delores Zubricky says:
My son has drinking for many years and now won’t stop he has 3 kids what can I do to get him help now the doctor says he has wet brain how long will he last
Delores Zubricky -
Kathy says:
Is there a way to determine life expectancy when someone has Korda off syndrome? My husband was diagnosed and at this time he is jaundice, eyes and skin, swollen head, stomach and limbs. He was admitted in treatment at a rehab facility. I asked about what type of time he has left snd was told it is hard to tell at this time. I do have a copy of his labs snd I’m not sure what questions to ask.
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Dr. David Zoeller M.D. says:
Hi Kathy, I’m so glad to hear that your husband made it into a treatment center.
Abstinence from alcohol is the number one priority for people with Korsakoff syndrome. As you mentioned, his prognosis depends on the results of his lab work and other cognitive tests, but the good news is that if his thiamine deficiency was addressed early in treatment, he has a good chance of restoring some, if not all, brain function.
About a quarter of people who develop Korsakoff syndrome will recover. About half will show some improvement. The remaining 25% do not show any improvement.
Jaundice is a sign of the liver failing, which is a separate disease. Judging from jaundice and the swelling in his stomach, it’s likely his cirrhosis is Stage 3, which means the damage is permanent. The average life expectancy of patients with advanced cirrhosis of the liver is 1-2 years, but I’ve seen patients that stop drinking and embrace nutrition live much longer.
If he’s able to participate in rehab (walking himself and talking in therapy), there is hope for a longer life expectancy if drinking is stopped. He’s lucky to have you. I know it’s not easy, but family support is so important for recovery.
I wish you all the best.
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Terri says:
My good friend has been hospitalized then put in an Post Acute facility 3 weeks ago. After drinking for many years. She is slowly able to walk with a walker and she is still confused. She is 65 yrs old. She had been having problems eating throwing up and runs after anything she ate for about 9 months. But still would down a 1/2 gallon of Bourbon a day every day! Was very unstable walking finally she collapsed and family called 911.
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Dr. Stephen Loyd M.D. says:
Hi Terri! Thank you for sharing your story. Addiction is such a powerful disease. Even when things get bad, sometimes it takes a true medical emergency for someone to recognize they need help. Between the drinking, running and throwing up, it sounds like her body just couldn’t handle it anymore. When we’re at our lowest, there is nowhere to go but up. It sounds like she is making progress, which is great news. Keep being supportive, she needs you more than you know!
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Dr. David Zoeller M.D. 
Terri 
Dr. Stephen Loyd M.D.
My good friend has been hospitalized then put in an Post Acute facility 3 weeks ago. After drinking for many years. She is slowly able to walk with a walker and she is still confused. She is 65 yrs old. She had been having problems eating throwing up and runs after anything she ate for about 9 months. But still would down a 1/2 gallon of Bourbon a day every day! Was very unstable walking finally she collapsed and family called 911.
Hi Terri! Thank you for sharing your story. Addiction is such a powerful disease. Even when things get bad, sometimes it takes a true medical emergency for someone to recognize they need help. Between the drinking, running and throwing up, it sounds like her body just couldn’t handle it anymore. When we’re at our lowest, there is nowhere to go but up. It sounds like she is making progress, which is great news. Keep being supportive, she needs you more than you know!
Is there a way to determine life expectancy when someone has Korda off syndrome? My husband was diagnosed and at this time he is jaundice, eyes and skin, swollen head, stomach and limbs. He was admitted in treatment at a rehab facility. I asked about what type of time he has left snd was told it is hard to tell at this time. I do have a copy of his labs snd I’m not sure what questions to ask.
Hi Kathy, I’m so glad to hear that your husband made it into a treatment center.
Abstinence from alcohol is the number one priority for people with Korsakoff syndrome. As you mentioned, his prognosis depends on the results of his lab work and other cognitive tests, but the good news is that if his thiamine deficiency was addressed early in treatment, he has a good chance of restoring some, if not all, brain function.
About a quarter of people who develop Korsakoff syndrome will recover. About half will show some improvement. The remaining 25% do not show any improvement.
Jaundice is a sign of the liver failing, which is a separate disease. Judging from jaundice and the swelling in his stomach, it’s likely his cirrhosis is Stage 3, which means the damage is permanent. The average life expectancy of patients with advanced cirrhosis of the liver is 1-2 years, but I’ve seen patients that stop drinking and embrace nutrition live much longer.
If he’s able to participate in rehab (walking himself and talking in therapy), there is hope for a longer life expectancy if drinking is stopped. He’s lucky to have you. I know it’s not easy, but family support is so important for recovery.
I wish you all the best.
My son has drinking for many years and now won’t stop he has 3 kids what can I do to get him help now the doctor says he has wet brain how long will he last
Delores Zubricky
Hi! Thanks for the information. I think your CDC recommendation has a typo. Shouldn’t it be “one drink for women & two for men’? Take care!
Hey Suzanne! Great catch! I will have the editorial team switch that around. Hope you are well!
hello, how can i solve this problem with this page showing? eyeg
Once someone is at the end stage and still drinks how long would they have left?