A serious brain disorder, usually linked to long-term heavy alcohol use and thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, causing confusion, coordination problems, and major memory issues.
In the context of addiction treatment:
Sometimes called “wet brain,” it can be partially preventable and treatable if caught early but can lead to permanent damage.
What to know:
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Early symptoms: confusion, eye movement problems, difficulty walking.
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Later: severe memory gaps, confabulation (making up stories to fill memory holes).
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Thiamine supplementation and stopping alcohol are crucial.
Example:
A long-term heavy drinker in detox is confused and unsteady on their feet; doctors suspect Wernicke’s encephalopathy and treat urgently with IV thiamine.