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Have you ever heard of a “wet campus?”
Wet campus and dry campus are terms usually used to refer to university campuses where alcohol is or isn’t allowed. A wet campus is one that allows those of legal drinking age to have alcohol in their living quarters, whereas a dry campus doesn’t even if they’re of legal age.
Now, have you heard of “wet brain syndrome?”
17% of Oregon adults reported binge drinking at least once a month. Over time, especially with long-term or excessive alcohol use, alcohol damages the brain. “Wet brain syndrome” is one such condition that can develop because of this.
Our team at Serenity Lane has seen how many people in our community are impacted by alcohol use. In order to help people make more informed decisions about their health, today we’re going to answer the question, “What is wet brain syndrome?”
The term “wet brain syndrome” is a name commonly used when referring to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This is a serious brain condition that is primarily caused by long-term alcoholic consumption.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, often shortened to WK syndrome, is a combination of two other conditions that frequently occur at the same time: Wernicke’s disease and Korsakoff’s psychosis. Why does alcohol use lead to brain damage?
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 warning signs for WK syndrome greatly overlap with the side effects of long-term and severe alcohol use disorders. Someone can have these symptoms and not yet have developed WK syndrome, but these symptoms shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Brain damage is serious. There are times when it can be irreversible, especially without proper and timely treatment. Here are some of the signs you should look for that can be indicative of WK syndrome or other alcohol-related brain damage:
As we mentioned before, Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome is a combination of two conditions. While they’re frequently co-occurring, most people will develop Wernicke’s Encephalopathy before they also develop Korsakoff’s Psychosis.
Let’s discuss the difference between the two, and how they progress.
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.
Once Korsakoff’s psychosis has developed, WK syndrome will continue to steadily decline and become life-threatening. If treatment is sought, many of the side effects can be managed with progression slowing or even stopping.
Korsakoff’s psychosis damages nerve cells that support the brain and spinal, including areas that impact memory. You can tell when Wernicke’s Encephalopathy has developed into WK syndrome if someone starts experiencing tremors, vision problems, amnesia, and increased 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.
You can heal from the damage done by alcohol use through alcohol rehab. There are many programs available right here in Oregon that can get you started on your path of healing.
It may seem daunting to know what treatment program is right for you. When it comes to addressing alcohol use that has led to brain damage, it’s important to find a program that offers a full continuum of care. This means everything from alcohol detox to inpatient and outpatient support.
Recovery isn’t just possible, it’s available for you right now. Our team here at Serenity Lane is full of master’s-level physicians who are ready to help you build a strong foundation for long-term success. As one of the oldest non-profit rehabs in the state, we have the experience needed to address your specific needs for recovery. Don’t wait, call us today at 800-543-9905.
Find serenity in long-term recovery.
What is the life expectancy of someone with a wet brain?
If treatment isn’t sought for wet brain syndrome, life expectancy can greatly decrease. There isn’t a set number, but many studies suggest an 8 to 10-year expectancy once Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome has developed.
Can a person fully recover from wet brain syndrome?
If someone is seeking treatment for Wernicke’s disease in a timely manner, it can be reversed. Wet brain syndrome refers to someone who has both Wernicke’s disease and Korsakoff’s psychosis. This can lead to severe memory loss and other serious side effects, which can become permanent.
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