08 Jan Why Do Alcoholics Crave Sugar? The Science Behind the Cravings
However, if an alcoholic wants to maintain a healthy diet, they should limit their consumption of sweets and opt for healthier alternatives. Finally, it is important for recovering alcoholics to have a support system in place to help them manage cravings. Connecting with family and friends, attending support groups, and talking to a therapist can all help to provide a sense of comfort and support during the recovery process.
Many factors can contribute to the development of alcoholism, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences and personal experiences. Some people may be more susceptible why do alcoholics crave sugar to developing this condition due to underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Other sources of caffeine include tea, soda, coffee ice cream, and chocolate.
Do Other SUDs Also Fuel Sugar Cravings?
“I’ll deal with the food issue later once I’m more stable in my sobriety.” It’s easy to overlook the dangers of sugar or overeating when you were a blackout drinker. This can become especially apparent when alcohol is removed from the equation. If you’re seeking AUD treatment for yourself or a loved one, noting which treatment providers offer these therapies is advisable. Sugar cravings are extremely common, and can play a crucial role in recovery – as outlined above. After you quit drinking, your body knows that it can reach a similar state through sugar. In fact, according to the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, sugar affects many of the same neural pathways in the brain as alcohol does.
It may seem as though developing a sugar addiction is relatively safe compared to alcoholism. However, eating too much sugar can trigger serious consequences for an alcoholic. Furthermore, excess sugar can increase belly fat, which is a risk factor for heart disease. If your sugar cravings are frequent, it’s best to opt for natural, whole foods options over highly processed sugars. Think banana “nice cream,” healthy chocolate mousse, dark chocolate, and homemade granola, to name a few. Including small servings of fruit is another way to modulate a sweet tooth and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
Sugar Cravings After Quitting Alcohol Starts in the Brain
Sugar affects the brain’s neural pathways, and weight gain affects the individual’s self-esteem and poses a risk to an alcohol relapse. As such, individuals in recovery from alcohol should prioritize their nutrition and pay attention to their sugar intake. Addiction specialists and addiction treatment centers are placing more focus on the nutritional component of recovery. Many addiction professionals have developed a holistic treatment approach that focuses on mind-body connection, paying particular attention to food as part of the treatment process. As a result of regular alcohol drinkers becoming tolerant to sugar from their alcohol intake, it is not uncommon for individuals in recovery from alcohol abuse to experience cravings for sugar.
- When they cut back or quit, their bodies crave the sugar rush they experienced when drinking.
- Therefore, it’s always best to consult your treatment providers about it so they can inform you on what to expect.
- However, there are strategies that can help alcoholics manage their sugar cravings such as eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, or engaging in regular exercise.
- BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
- Cravings for alcohol are one of the biggest deterrents to our cutting back or eliminating it entirely.
- Dopamine also reduces activity in your brain’s extended amygdala, which controls your emotions and stress responses, per the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
The preference for sugary foods extends beyond effects specific to drug use. Sugar affects the brain like addictive drugs⁴, which makes sugar particularly tempting for people with a substance use disorder. Some research indicates that methamphetamine use can reduce blood glucose levels³, driving people toward sugary foods or drinks. In addition, the appetite suppressing properties of stimulants make eating nutritious foods less likely. Some people in recovery use high sugar foods as a survival strategy to get sufficient calories when other foods are unpalatable. Another interesting fact found in another study by Colditz et al. (1991) is that consumption of sweets may possibly suppress alcohol intake.
What to Eat Before a Workout
Excessive consumption of fructose sweeteners, for example, can lead to fatty liver disease—just like alcohol. And restoring healthy digestion and blood sugar can make a big difference in long-term recovery. Craving sugar is common after drinking because alcohol contains sugar.
The women who had reported previous problems with food dependence or food addiction showed high levels of brain activity in regions that have been connected to drug and alcohol cravings. Additionally, research suggests there may be a biological connection between having a sweet tooth and an alcohol abuse problem. For example, a study of more than 300 children found that those with a heightened preference for sugary foods and beverages were more likely to have a family history of alcoholism.
The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Recovery
Quitting drugs and alcohol is a personal decision and nobody can make that choice for you. If you are considering quitting, please reach out and I can put you in contact with the right resources. Additionally, sugary alcohol drinks increase dehydration compared to standard alcohol flavors. Sugar cravings are the most intense about a week after the last drink. From there, they taper off eventually, usually within a week or two.
No Comments