A peripheral nervous system disorder commonly seen in alcoholics is numbness and weakness in the hands and feet (i.e., peripheral neuropathy). This condition is thought to be largely a consequence of malnutrition in severe alcoholics. One type of peripheral nerve damage known as Saturday night palsy can occur when an alcoholic puts pressure on vulnerable nerves in the arm while lying in an intoxicated stupor, leaving him or her unable to extend the wrist for days to weeks.
