Vitamin B Deficiency and Alcohol Abuse

The Connection Between Alcohol and Vitamin B Deficiencies

It’s important for every person to understand that there is a direct connection between alcohol abuse and several other health problems, one of them being a vitamin B deficiency. Countless people that come to our alcohol rehab come to find that they are actually combating a vitamin B deficiency that can impact many other aspects of their life.

How Alcohol Abuse Affects Absorption of B Vitamins

One of the connections between vitamin B deficiency and alcohol abuse is the fact that alcohol consumption actually prevents your body from absorbing the important aspects of this vitamin. As a result, you may begin to experience certain impairments in what were once normal, everyday activities. Even if you opt to try to take extra vitamin B supplements while you’re still actively drinking, your body will never be able to catch up to a level where it should be to maintain these normal functions.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency in People Who Drink Heavily

Vitamin B1 is commonly referred to as Thiamine. Thiamine is a critical nutrient that is required by certain tissues, specifically in your brain. Typically, Thiamine is something that Is naturally found in certain foods such as pork, nuts, or peas. Usually, you will consume enough Vitamin B1 through your regular diet. However, when you introduce an abundance of alcohol into your diet you’re put in a position where you may not be eating a normal diet. This is compounded by the fact that your body isn’t absorbing this vitamin which could equate to a vitamin B deficiency.

The Impact of Thiamine Deficiency on the Nervous System

Your nervous system also requires a certain level of thiamine to act normally. A lack of vitamin B1 could result in certain physical consequences including the increased possibility of alcoholic dementia as well as certain cognitive impairments.

Wernicke-Korskaoff Syndrome from B Vitamin Deficiency

Ultimately, a vitamin B deficiency and alcohol abuse could result in the development of another serious condition known as Wernicke-Korskaoff Syndrome. This condition is a brain disorder that can make it nearly impossible for a person to function cognitively without help. Memory issues and changes in behavior are common trademarks of Wernicke-Korskaoff Syndrome. It’s estimated that approximately 25% of people that are diagnosed with a severe form of this condition will require long-term help regardless of their age.

Other Health Risks of Vitamin B Deficiency

Of course, it comes as no surprise that vitamin B deficiency and alcohol abuse can also cause a plethora of other physical ailments. For example, due to this type of deficiency, a person may be more susceptible to cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack or a stroke. There is also a possibility that women who drink and suffer from this type of deficiency may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Keep in mind that alcoholism can also put any drinker at an increased possibility of developing any type of cancer.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Resurgence Behavioral Health

Alcoholism is a serious condition which is why the Resurgence Behavioral Health team continuously goes above and beyond to provide our clients with the care that they need as they begin to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to maintain their sobriety. If you believe that you may be suffering from vitamin B deficiency and alcohol abuse, we encourage you to reach out to us today at(855) 458-0050 for more information about our treatment options. We look forward to hearing from you and providing you with the insight that you need.

Did you know that there is a distinct connection between alcohol abuse and Vitamin B deficiency? Call Resurgence to get help now! #alcoholabuse #vitaminb #alcoholaddiction #recovery #sobriety https://t.co/NGoOkxQBxR

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) August 2, 2021

Alexa Iocco