Introduction

Alcohol-related diseases are caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. Alcohol-related ailments occur either with or without coexisting nutritional or vitamin deficiencies [1]. Excessive alcohol abuse seems to be the motivational drive for further lifetime drinking in excessive amounts that might ultimately lead to alcohol-induced neuropathy. Alcohol abuse and chronic pain associated with alcohol-related neuropathy present high comorbidity [2••]. A recent report by the World Health Organization says that approximately 3 million people die each year due to alcohol abuse [3]. Total alcohol per capita of the world population over the age of 15 has increased from 5.5 l of pure alcohol in 2005 to 6.4 l in 2016. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the major factors that increase the mortality rate primarily in males aged 15–59 particularly in Eastern Europe [4, 5]. Alcohol abuse is believed to contribute to the onset of over 60 types of diseases and injuries and a cause of at least 200 others at the same time [6]. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to the severe failures of digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous (central and peripheral) systems [6,7,8,9,10]. The most frequent disorders related to alcohol abuse include alcoholic liver disease (including steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma), pancreatitis, gastritis, hypertension, arrhythmia, or cardiomyopathy [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21]. The prevalence of the alcoholic liver disease among heavy drinkers is estimated at 15–30% [22]. Among disorders of the nervous system, Korsakoff’s syndrome, anterograde amnesia, cerebellar ataxia, sleep disorders, cognitive deficits, and alcohol neuropathy are of the highest prevalence [23,24,25,26, 27••, 28,29,30]. Besides, alcohol consumption significantly contributes to the onset of cancers such as a cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, or colon. Toxic and metabolic effects of alcohol vary depending on age, dose, and duration of exposure [31]. Neuropathies, regardless of etiology, are fairly common especially among the elderly, attaining an 8% prevalence rate [32, 33]. Besides the alcohol, neuropathies may be induced by various factors including toxins (chemotherapeutic agents, heavy metals, industrial chemicals), infections (borreliosis, HIV), the course of metabolic diseases (diabetes, uremia, acromegaly), or they may be related to systemic diseases such as sarcoidosis, polyarteritis nodosa, or rheumatoid arthritis [34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44]. Idiopathic neuropathy, designated as chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP), constitutes the most frequent neuropathy so far [45,46,47]. Besides, within the peripheral nervous system, neuropathies may be classified into mono-, poly-, and multifocal neuropathies [48].

Toxic effects of alcohol are associated with several mechanisms that include the direct or indirect activity of alcohol metabolites, oxidative stress induction, and the translocation of the intestinal endotoxins into the bloodstream. DNA, proteins, and lipids might be damaged due to acetaldehyde and oxidants produced during alcohol metabolism. Alcohol-related tissue hypoxia and impaired mitochondrial functions and singling pathways are highly prevalent molecular consequences of alcohol abuse. Alcohol is metabolized by three pathways—by the alcohol dehydrogenase in the cytosol, the Microsomal Ethanol Oxidizing System (MEOS), and the catalase which is contained in peroxisomes (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Three major pathways of alcohol metabolism

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Alcohol-induced neuropathy, also known as alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy (ALN), is a toxic polyneuropathy that leads to the damage of sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve fibers leading to the thinning of the myelin sheaths and further impairments of neural functions [14, 49]. ALN is characterized by spontaneous burning pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. Regarding pain pathways, several pain-related receptors, such as δ-opioid receptors, κ-opioid receptors, and nociception opioid receptors, are highly expressed within different regions including the peripheral nervous system, spinal cord, and the supraspinal regions, significantly contributing to the induction and further intensification of pain. Besides, the key mechanism of chronic pain includes the long-term potentiation of glutamatergic transmission. The percentage of alcohol-dependent patients affected by ALN is estimated to be 66% [50, 51]. The pathophysiology of ALN involves underlying mechanisms that include direct or indirect effects of alcohol metabolites, impaired axonal transport, suppressed excitatory nerve pathway activity, or imbalance in neurotransmitters [52,53,54]. An essential risk factor regarding the etiology of ALN is the amount of alcohol consumed throughout the years since alcohol displays direct toxicity on nerve fibers [55]. It is estimated that consumption of more than 100 ml of ethyl alcohol per day significantly increases the risk of ALN [56]. Recent studies show contradictory information about the role of malnutrition and micronutrients (thiamine) deficiency in the pathogenesis of ALN; however, it is assumed that these might induce the progression of ataxia or movement disorders [55, 57]. Nevertheless, heavy alcohol drinkers are usually significantly malnourished because of the improperly balanced diet and impaired absorption of the essential nutrients and elements [58, 59].

Alcohol Abuse Diagnostic Criteria and Biomarkers

Generally, alcohol abuse might be defined as the difficulties in the control of alcohol consumption or repetitive and continuous alcohol consumption. Diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder are highly differentiated; however, the most common criteria currently used are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Except for DSM-5, diagnostic criteria of alcohol abuse were proposed by the International Classification of Diseases (11th revision) that was updated in 2015. According to DSM-5, alcohol abuse might be diagnosed when at least two of the following symptoms appear in the 12-month period, and these are (1) greater alcohol intake or prolonged alcohol intake that was not initially intended, (2) unsuccessful efforts to control the amounts of alcohol consumed, (3) activities that aim to obtain alcohol, (4) a strong desire to use alcohol, (5) repetitive alcohol consumption and coexisting failures in the everyday life activities, (6) continuous alcohol consumption despite the appearing of the disturbed interpersonal relationships, (7) given up of crucial activities only to obtain alcohol, (8) alcohol abuse in physically hazardous situations, (9) the continuation of alcohol consumption being aware of its toxic side effects, (10) the appearance of alcohol tolerance, and (11) the appearance of a withdrawal syndrome. ICD-11 criteria proposed the following criteria: criterion A—difficulties in controlling alcohol consumption, criterion B—alcohol consumption becomes a priority of an addicted individual, and criterion C refers to the presence of physiological symptoms. Symptoms that are typical for alcohol abusers include poor coordination, inappropriate behavior and unstable moods, or impaired attention and/or memory. Besides, chronic and continuous intake of alcohol might induce the appearance of an alcohol withdrawal syndrome that includes such symptoms as nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, sweating, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, or seizures. Alcohol abusers are usually motivated for further drinking due to the induction of the neuroadaptive changes, primarily within the brain neurotransmissions systems, such excessive drinking further leads to the induction of physiological symptoms and other disorders such as ALN. Moreover, alcohol abusers with ALN tend to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to alleviate neuropathic pain. Besides, alcohol is an effective analgesic that might contribute to the motivation for further drinking.

Biomarkers of alcohol abuse include carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and phosphatidylethanol (PEth). CDT is an indirect metabolite of ethanol and constitutes either a marker of prolonged, heavy alcohol consumption or a marker of relapse. Peth on the other hand is a direct alcohol metabolite that can be measured to monitor alcohol consumption as well as for the identification of early signs of alcohol-related clinical manifestations. Other non-specific biomarkers useful in the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder are gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of the red blood cells, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.

Diagnosis of Alcohol-Related Peripheral Neuropathy

In order to diagnose ALN, usually, several tests are needed to be performed to provide a complete and reliable diagnosis. Besides blood chemistry test and complete blood count (CBC), esophagogastroduodenoscopy is needed when a patient vomits and has nausea for an unknown reason; X-rays of the gastrointestinal tract can also be performed. Electromyography and nerve conduction tests are performed in order to reveal signs of ALN. In some cases, a nerve biopsy is needed. Sensory functions and reflexes can be tested during a neurological examination.

Alcohol-Related Peripheral Neuropathy – History of Discovery and Exact Definition

The first reports about the possible role of excessive alcohol consumption and induction of ALN were introduced in 1787 [60]. The concept was supported by another study from 1822 [61]. Lettsom has observed that paralysis and hypoesthesia related to ALN presented a higher prevalence rate in lower limbs compared to upper limbs [60].

Toxic neuropathies may be classified into three distinct groups depending on the etiology: neuropathies with damaged perikaryon, myelopathies where alcohol affects Schwann cell proliferation and myelin formation, and distal axonopathy [62, 63]. In 1977, Behse and Buchtal examined the differences in the microscopic findings and nerve conduction of the sural nerves of 37 patients with ALN and 6 patients with neuropathy induced by malnutrition after gastrectomy [56]. The results have shown that distal axonopathy in patients with ALN affected both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. The underlying manifestation of ALN is axonal degeneration of the neurons of both the sensory and motor systems, following damage to the neuronal cell bodies [64,65,66,67,68]. Small fiber neuropathy is a typical manifestation of early stages of ALN, while the prolonged course of the disease leads to the degeneration of larger fibers, axonal sprouting, and subsequent regeneration of fibers [65, 69]. The majority of patients with ALN initially present with symmetrical polyneuropathy mainly in the lower distal extremities since primarily the initial manifestations occur in the most distal part of the axons [70]. Thus, longer axons are more prone to be initially affected [71]. During ALN progression, axonal transport is less effective and synaptic transmission is disrupted [72]. Further, retrograde degeneration or so-called dying back phenomenon occurs, reaching back the perikaryon in advanced stages of ALN [73, 74]. Burning and throbbing pain along with autonomic dysfunctions are induced mainly via the degeneration of unmyelinated C and Aδ fibers [68, 75]. The dysfunctions within fibers of greater diameter manifest as a disturbed sense of vibration, proprioception, and impaired tendon reflexes [76].

Intake of Alcohol

Pathogenesis of ALN is related to either direct or indirect (or both) toxic effects of alcohol on nerve fibers. The probability of ALN manifestation increases with the duration of alcohol abuse [77, 78]. ALN develops in a dose-dependent manner; thus, what is crucial is the total lifetime dose of ethanol (TLDE) [55, 71]. According to Ammendola et al. (2001), TLDE and duration of alcohol dependence make up the two most significant risk factors of ALN [77]. Vittadini et al. (2001) showed that the largest percentage of ALN was in patients who consumed wine [71]. It could be probably due to the need for larger amounts of wine to induce alcohol intoxication or because of the possible contamination such as lead, which also causes toxic effects [79]. However, Ferdinandis et al. (2008) did not show the relationship between the higher incidences of ALN among patients who consume illicit (contaminated) alcohol compared to legal spirit drinkers [80]. ALN is believed to be related to risk factors associated with the excessive intake of alcohol such as malnutrition, deficiency of nutrients and elements (thiamine in particular), or direct effects of alcohol metabolites on the cells and tissues; however, the exact mechanism has not been deciphered yet. ALN is more prevalent among heavy and chronic alcohol drinkers compared to those who drink alcohol only episodically. Several studies proved the higher incidence rate of ALN among females compared to males; besides, females tend to present greater severity of ALN symptoms [81].

ALN Pathophysiology

The exact pathophysiology of ALN has not been yet determined. Primarily, it was assumed that the progression of ALN symptoms is due to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency (mainly B1 hypovitaminosis) [82, 83]. Indeed, these factors contribute to the progression of ALN symptoms; however, they do not constitute direct factors that manifest in ALN development [84]. Current postulation holds that dysfunctions within the central and peripheral nervous system are due to both direct and indirect toxic effects of alcohol [31, 85,86,87]. Indirect effects are mainly induced by vitamin deficiencies (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) [84, 88].

Chronic alcohol consumption leads to malnutrition with dysfunctions in protein and lipid metabolism which affect the metabolic pathways and progression of ALN symptoms within the central and peripheral nervous systems [89]. The direct toxic effects of alcohol and its metabolites (mainly acetaldehyde) are crucial in ALN etiology [64]. Acetaldehyde is involved in neuronal damage [90, 91]. It has been demonstrated that incubation of neural cells with advanced glycation end products of acetaldehyde (AA-AGE) induced dose-dependent degradation of neuronal cells while the addition of AA-AGE antibodies reduced neurotoxicity [51, 90]. Other findings showed that decreased activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase leads to peripheral neuropathy [76, 91].

The mechanism of direct damage of nerve fibers due to alcohol intoxication remains unclear. Activation of spinal cord microglia, mGlu5 spinal cord receptors, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis appear to be implicated in this process [92,93,94,95,96,97]. Oxidative stress also leads to the indirect damage of nerve fibers via the release of free radicals and proinflammatory cytokines with protein kinase C and ERK kinase phosphorylation [98,99,100,101]. Besides, ALN is characterized by insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) resistance, which results in impaired trophic factor signaling [102, 103].

Ethanol and its toxic metabolites affect neural metabolism including metabolic activities in the nucleus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and cytoplasm [104]. The morphological basis of post-alcoholic damage of neural tissue includes primary axonopathy and secondary demyelination of motor and sensory (especially small) fibers [105]. Demyelination is probably the effect of axoplasmic transmission slowdown; such degeneration so-called dying back bears semblance to Wallerian degeneration [64, 84]. An animal study on axonal transport in vitro using dorsal roots of the sciatic nerve showed decreased axonal transmission after long-term ethanol consumption [106]. In vivo study on rats showed impaired retrograde axonal transport [107, 108]. Thus, ALN might be induced by the combination of the effects of the direct activity of alcohol metabolites on the nerve fibers along with nutritional deficiencies primarily in a form of thiamine deficiency.

Symptoms

ALN develops slowly over months or years [109, 110]. ALN can manifest differently, and patients might experience one, two, or even more clinical manifestations of ALN. Patients who have ALN might present such symptoms as cramps, impaired movement of the limbs, muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, spasms, or contractions, loss of sensation, or feeling of tingling. Besides, the gastrointestinal and urinary systems are also affected and include the presence of diarrhea, constipation, nausea, swallowing difficulties, abdominal bloating, and urinary retention.

During the initial stages of ALN, the disease may appear asymptomatic and demonstrable only on electroneurographic investigation [71, 111, 112]. Because ALN is a length-dependent axonopathy, it manifests mainly in a “stocking-glove” form, affecting the lower extremities at the beginning [28, 113]. The main symptoms of ALN include dysesthesia, paresthesia, numbness, and pain in the lower extremities which progressively reach higher parts of the body [114,115,116,117]. The pain is described as burning, cramp-like, or itching; also, a common symptom is a subjective feeling of cold in both feet [118,119,120,121,122,123]. The symptoms deteriorate through touch and pressure which intensify pain while standing or walking [124]. Further progression of ALN leads to the weakening of tendon reflexes or total areflexia and disturbed proprioception, which additionally impair the ability to walk [28, 113]. ALN further manifests as weakness and atrophy of muscles due to the damage of greater motor fibers and impaired neuromuscular transmission.

Genetic Background

Genetic factors and family history of heavy drinking is significantly involved in the pathogenesis of ALN. There is no evidence proving the influence of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) interindividual variations on the induction of ALN [125]. Masaki et al. (2004) performed a study about the association between Glu-487 → Lys mutation (single-nucleotide polymorphism) in aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) and alcoholic polyneuropathy [126]. Patients with ALDH2*2 (Lys) mutation present poorer ability to metabolize acetaldehyde, an intermediate product of ethanol. Comparisons were made between clinical symptoms and nerve conduction between heterozygotes with mutated allele ALDH2*2/ALDH2*1 and homozygotes ALDH2*1/ALDH2*1 (Glu-487) without a mutation. Among alcoholics with a mutated allele, a decrease in sensory action potential amplitudes (SNAP) within the median and sural nerves was shown. The study suggests that acetaldehyde cumulation is significant in ALN etiology. Damages to the median nerve are not very specific for ALN which initially manifests within lower extremities; further, the abovementioned mutation is primarily prevalent in South Asian countries [126].

ALN and Gender

The prevalence of ALN among the genders is unclear. Females, generally tend to drink less alcohol, are better abstainers, and present the smaller probability of the development of alcohol-related diseases [127, 128]. However, compared to males, the symptoms of excessive alcohol consumption manifest earlier in females [129, 130]. Alcohol-related liver cirrhosis may occur even a few years earlier in females compared to males [131]. The prevalence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy appears to be similar among males and females; however, males present a higher disease burden [132, 133]. Furthermore, females tend to be more vulnerable to the brain damage and neurotoxic effects of alcohol [134]. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed that among alcohol-dependent patients, the brain volumes were reduced to increase the volume of cerebrospinal fluid; these changes were induced in females in less time [135, 136]. Ammendola et al. (2000) showed an inverse correlation of the sensory-evoked potential (SEP) amplitude of the sural nerve which informs about sensory dysfunctions and is altered even in asymptomatic patients throughout the course alcohol dependence [137]. The correlation was more significant in females. The mouse model of the injection of β-estradiol in males resulted in higher activity of cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), microsomal aniline hydroxylase (ANH), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) which are crucial in ethanol metabolism [138]. Female mouse with injected testosterone showed the decreased activity of cytosolic isoform of ALDH which implies that those enzymes are sensitive to estrogen and testosterone and alcohol metabolism is greater in females.

Malnutrition and Micronutrients Deficiency

The onset of ALN is intensified by several risk factors such as malnutrition, thiamine deficiency, direct and indirect toxic effects of alcohol and its metabolites on nerve fibers, and genetic predispositions of patients [55, 139,140,141,142,143]. It is still unclear what is the major determinant in the pathogenesis of ALN. Primarily, thiamine deficiency is the crucial risk factor of ALN since it induces the progression of Korsakoff’s syndrome and beriberi [144, 145]. Due to similar histologic and electrophysiological symptoms, it was believed that ALN may make up a subtype of beriberi [146]. Further research has confirmed the role of thiamine in the pathogenesis of ALN—the well-balanced diet and vitamin B1 supplementation significantly decreased the severity of ALN symptoms [147, 148]. However, the limitations of those studies include the lack of the possibility to measure the amount of vitamin B1 in the serum; further, patients who were involved in the study have received an unrefined form of the supplement. Later, the results have been supported by Victor and Adams (1961)—among 12 patients with ALN, neuropathic symptoms were alleviated just after thiamine supplementation, even though the alcohol consumption was previously completely reduced [149]. Koike et al. (2003) compared clinical and histological differences between ALN with and without thiamine deficiency [65]. Also, the results of the group of 32 patients with non-alcoholic thiamine deficiency neuropathy were considered. Thiamine deficiency resulted in the progression of sensory dysfunctions; further, histological examination of the sural nerves revealed the loss of small nerve fibers and segmental demyelination. Patients with non-alcoholic thiamine deficiency neuropathy showed more abrupt onset of symptoms, mainly in a form of motor dysfunctions; biopsy showed damage to greater fibers with subperineurial edema. ALN with thiamine deficiency was manifested as a variable mixture of these symptoms. It was proposed that ALN pathogenesis, besides thiamine deficiency itself, could be due to its inappropriate use in the organism or transketolase deficiency [150]. Further, alcohol impairs vitamin B1 absorption and its storage in the liver [151,152,153].

Autonomic Neuropathy

Alcohol abuse contributes to peripheral neuropathy development involving both somatic and autonomic nerves [154, 155]. However, impairments of autonomic functions are scarcer and less intensified, and, usually, clinical symptoms are delayed [156]. According to many studies, alcohol-induced autonomic neuropathy (AAN) not only leads to potential damage to internal organs but also increases the mortality rate of patients [157, 158]. It was observed that abstinence may lead to the regression of several symptoms of AAN [159].

The prevalence of impairments in ANS in alcohol-dependent patients varies from 20 to 99% [160]. Symptoms of AAN are due to impairments in both sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic fibers of the cardiovascular, digestive, and urogenital systems. Appenzeller and Ogin (1974) showed that alcohol-dependent and diabetic patients had a reduced number of large fibers (greater than 5 μm) and greater density of autonomic fibers (possibly because of the degeneration followed by a partial regeneration) [161]. The reduction of internodal length contributes to the decreased speed of nerve conduction which may be implemented in impairments in perspiration, baroreceptor reflexes, and functions of internal organs. To determine the functions of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), sympathetic skin response (SSR) is used; the abnormal results of this test suggest subclinical transmission impairments [162]. Navarro et al. (1993) showed that nearly half of the alcohol-dependent patients without AAN symptoms and any aberrations in electrophysiologic studies presented abnormal SSR results [163]. In a similar study, SSR was used to assess the number of reactive sweat glands (SGN), which turned out to be decreased in alcohol-dependent patients [164].

Regarding the parasympathetic division of ANS, most of the studies are focused on the assessment of nerve conduction mainly in oculomotor and vagus nerves; these include pupil cycle time (PCT) and cardiovascular reflex tests correspondingly [160]. Further, ECG changes and functions of the digestive tract (dyspeptic symptoms, stomach and gallbladder motility, orocecal transit time) can also be assessed [162, 165]. PCT seems to be valuable due to the correlation between prolongation of pupil oscillation and exacerbations of cardiovascular symptoms which presents the colinear involvement of parasympathetic division of ANS.

Symptoms of AAN are non-specific; in the sympathetic division, these include impairments in perspiration, orthostatic hypotension, whereas in parasympathetic hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, or cardiac arrhythmias [111, 166]. Gastrointestinal symptoms include delayed stomach emptying and intestinal transit, dyspepsia, and faster emptying of the gallbladder [165]. Besides, approximately 55% of men with AAN develop erectile dysfunctions [167]. Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with AAN might increase the probability of sudden cardiac death, which is probably due to toxic effects of alcohol on a cardiac muscle that is also observed in alcoholic cardiomyopathy [168, 169].

Other coexisting, alcohol-related diseases may induce exacerbation of AAN symptoms. It was shown that patients with liver cirrhosis (regardless of its etiology) present dysfunctions in ANS, primarily within the vagus nerve [170]. However, the pathogenesis is yet unclear. Proposed mechanisms include circulatory disturbances in liver cirrhosis, metabolic and neurohormonal (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) dysfunctions, excessive nitric oxide production, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators [11, 171]. There is a strong correlation between AAN and Child-Pugh scale which suggests that liver cirrhosis progression is related to impairments in ANS [172]. Alcohol-abusing patients with liver cirrhosis and vagus nerve neuropathy are at higher risk of a sudden death compared to patients without impairments within the nervous system [173, 174].

Treatment

Treatment of ALN aims to reduce further damage to the peripheral nerves and restore their normal functioning. What is crucial during ALN treatment is the alleviation of the major causation of ALN which is alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse treatment might lead to a resolution of neuropathic pain and alleviation of its symptoms. This can be achieved by complete alcohol abstinence and a balanced diet primarily supplemented by B6, B12, and E vitamins, as well as folate, thiamine, and niacin. Prevention and treatment of ALN may be also achieved via other alternative treatment strategies including benfotiamine, alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, vitamin E, methylcobalamin, myo-inositol, N-acetylcysteine, capsaicin, tricyclic antidepressants, or antiepileptic drugs [51]. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome; acamprosate and naltrexone are effective to treat alcohol dependence; however, the latter usually induces withdrawal symptoms [175]. Cognitive-behavior therapies are suggested to avoid relapses [30]. Further, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are prescribed to treat alcohol-induced neuropathic pain via exerting antinociceptive properties by increasing serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmissions [71]. In an animal model, Kaur et al. (2017) showed that curcumin and sildenafil administrated alone or in combination represent a therapeutic advantage in alcohol-induced neuropathic pain [176].

Conclusions

Alcohol abuse affects the peripheral and the central nervous system adversely. A common adverse effect of chronic alcohol consumption is alcohol neuropathy. Common symptoms include paresthesias, pain, and ataxia. We do not know precisely how many people are affected by alcohol neuropathy, but research has shown that at least 66% of chronic alcohol abusers may have some form of neuropathy. Neuropathy has multifactorial causes, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to the toxic effects that alcohol has on neurons. Because of the many effects that alcohol has on the organism, it is important that patients with alcoholic neuropathy be managed by a team of inter-professionals in the health industry. The way alcohol neuropathy is being managed presently is not satisfactory. Treatment is dependent on nutrition and abstinence from alcohol. However, there is poor compliance on the part of patients, resulting in the progression of the condition and ultimately, poor quality of life. Residual neuropathy occurs even in patients who have practiced abstinence. While one may find relief from conventional treatment, the addictive nature or side effects of some medications makes it undesirable to use it for the long term. These treatments, in some cases, only suppress the symptoms but do not treat the underlying pathology. However, alternative therapies do not have side effect and tackle nutritional deficiencies and oxidative stress. Intensive research has been done on medications like alpha-lipoic acid, benfotiamine, acetyl-l-carnitine, and methylcobalamin. Other botanical or nutrient therapies include myo-inositol, vitamin E, topical capsaicin, and N-acetylcysteine. Morbidity can be decreased by the use of modern treatment and nutrients.