Alcohol and Epilepsy: The Link, Risks and Treatment

People with epilepsy are strongly advised to limit daily alcohol intake to a maximum of two drinks. It is also recommended that they consume alcohol slowly. Anyone with epilepsy is urged to discuss alcohol use with their doctor, especially if they take epilepsy medication. Binge drinking and chronic alcohol misuse are major risk factors for seizure activity.

The Risk of Mixing Epilepsy and Alcohol

Epilepsy from alcohol withdrawal

Repeated, severe withdrawal with seizures may increase the risk of future spontaneous seizures during withdrawal. However, these seizures may differ in physiology from true epileptic seizures. Therefore, many doctors don’t label them as epileptic seizures.

Epilepsy from alcohol abuse

Chronic alcohol misuse itself is not specifically associated with epilepsy or seizures. The presence of alcohol actually reduces seizure risk. It is only when alcohol leaves the system that seizure risk increases. However, severe and chronic alcohol misuse can lead to brain damage that can potentially cause seizures.

Epilepsy from alcohol poisoning

There is some evidence that acute alcohol poisoning causes seizures. This is most likely due to low blood sugar or major changes in ion concentrations in the blood and brain. However, these seizures are distinct from epileptic seizures. Alcohol poisoning can cause breathing to stop. In turn, seizures occur from low oxygen levels in the brain.

Epilepsy medications and alcohol

People with epilepsy who take anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) must drink alcohol with caution. AEDs can reduce tolerance to alcohol, and alcohol can reduce AED efficiency. There is also some risk of negative interactions between alcohol and epilepsy medicine.

Treating Epilepsy and Alcohol Addiction

Before treating epilepsy, a person may need to get their substance use under control with anticonvulsants. Therefore, treatment typically starts with alcohol detox, followed by residential rehab. In this environment, anti-seizure drugs can be managed.

The alcohol detox timeline and the withdrawal treatment approach will depend on the symptoms’ severity. In most cases, alcohol detox can be expected to take one to two weeks. However, people with mild alcohol use disorders may start AEDs right away and begin an outpatient treatment program. Outpatient treatment can help them learn how to avoid triggers and deal with stressful situations in healthier ways.

People diagnosed with alcohol-induced seizure disorders along with an alcohol use disorder should enter a residential rehab program. This is because residential treatment can increase the likelihood of long-term sobriety. Often, the most appropriate rehab program will be medical detox and a long-term residential stay. Afterward, they can transition to an intensive outpatient program that prepares the person for outpatient and aftercare programs. It is imperative for people who have had alcohol-induced seizures to abstain from any alcohol use. This can reduce the risk of future seizures and the development of spontaneous seizure disorders.

For people with epilepsy, alcohol use disorders can be particularly risky. If you or someone you love has epilepsy and is struggling with alcohol use, help is available. Contact The Recovery Village Ridgefield to learn how we can help get you on the path to recovery.