Often in recovery, a person will experience numerous physical and mental effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The toxic effects of alcohol on the body and mind are well documented. Far more than lack of muscular coordination and other issues, there is a lesser known challenge called alcoholic myopathy. This is a debilitating condition that can hinder a person’s ability to fully be present in their life. Intense muscular pain becomes part of their daily life. Learn more about what alcoholic myopathy is and how to support a loved one struggling.
What is Myopathy
Myopathy is defined as a condition that results in loss of muscle strength or dysfunction of skeletal muscle. This is generally caused by abnormalities in function or metabolism of muscle cells. Myopathy can be caused by numerous conditions, including alcoholism. Alcoholic myopathy is considered toxic as it results from the body’s response to long-term and/or heavy exposure to alcohol. It may be acute, after binge-drinking, or chronic, developing over time with heavy consumption of alcohol. This makes alcoholism a major risk factor for this debilitating and often painful condition.
How Alcoholism Contributes
While alcoholic myopathy is only partly understood, it seems to have a nutritional component. People who consume alcohol often experience malnutrition. Alcoholism often brings about vitamin D deficiency which may affect the body. Lack of vitamin D results in an inability for the body to absorb other nutrients like phosphorous which maintains proper muscular cell function and metabolism.
Symptoms of Alcoholic Myopathy
The most basic symptoms of alcoholic myopathy include muscular weakness and tenderness or pain. The following symptoms may also occur:
- Loss of muscle mass (atrophy)
- Cramping
- Stiffness
- Twitches, tics, or muscle spasms
- Sensitivity to heat
- Risk of cardiomyopathy or weakened heart muscle
Treatment Options
Abstaining from alcohol is a major challenge for people who are struggling with alcoholism. Triggers and cravings can overwhelm a person’s ability to consider the consequences and result in relapse. Alcoholism is a chronic mental health disorder which requires treatment. Recovery from this and myopathy should include:
- Behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Peer support groups
- Nutritional guidance
- Exercise programs
- Motivational therapy and guidance
With professional support and a commitment to sobriety, the individual can emerge from a treatment program with new tools and skills to avoid returning to alcohol use, making it possible to achieve recovery from acute or chronic myopathy and live a productive, healthier life.
It may feel challenging to know that what you’re heading into will be hard, but it won’t be hard forever. We do our best to help you navigate the challenges of recovery with support and care at the highest level. Let us help you recover from addiction and seek the resources you need to keep you clean and sober. Call us 24/7 at our toll-free number: 866-294-9401
from
https://www.serenityrecoverydetox.com/blog/what-is-alcoholic-myopathy/
From https://serenityrecoverycenter.blogspot.com/2018/12/what-is-alcoholic-myopathy.html
from
https://serenityrecoverycenter.wordpress.com/2018/12/03/what-is-alcoholic-myopathy/
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