United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

So somewhere, on here I think, I read that alcohol can potentially negatively affect nerve regeneration. But I can't really find any studies (or similar) on the topic. Anybody have insight here?

I haven't had a drink since my accident, and while I don't even miss it that much, it would be nice to have a nice beer when out with my pals.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19766893

not sure having a beer would have the same effect as being an alcoholic does

Thanks for finding the study. I think I came across the same one awhile back.

I spoke with the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, as well as at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, and I asked them about having a casual drink here or there. They all said that they are not aware of any studies or science that say you shouldn't drink at all, or that light drinking affects nerve regeneration. They felt that a casual drink is fine. They felt that, if anything, tobacco use is worse.

I've concluded that moderate to very moderate drinking is acceptable. We all already knew that drinking too much and/or too often is bad for anybody's body in a variety of ways. I've now had a few drinks in the 4 months since my accident. That first Guinness was delicious. But for the most part, I'm trying to do all that I can for my body, be it exercise, rest, eating well, therapy, and I'm just not really drinking much any more. At least not for now, while I'm still in the early stages of recovery. A few years from now, maybe I'll be back to wine with dinner on most days. But for now, just a touch is enough.

Cheers.