Sugar Cravings after Quitting Alcohol: 10 Dietitian-Approved Tips

Developing healthier coping strategies and seeking support from professionals can help individuals navigate these challenges and maintain their recovery journey. While it is tempting to indulge in sugary treats during this time, it is important for individuals in recovery to maintain a healthy diet. Consuming too much sugar can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Instead, those in recovery should focus on eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods and essential nutrients. When people stop drinking alcohol, they may continue to experience intense sugar cravings. This phenomenon is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and can last for several weeks or even months after quitting alcohol.

Impact on Blood Glucose Levels

I felt like it was too close to home for me because I had struggled with an eating disorder in college. When you drink, your brain releases large amounts of dopamine, contributing to the pleasurable effects of drinking. And when alcohol is removed, dopamine levels can initially drop leading to feelings of low mood and energy. Engaging in regular physical activity can also support overall well-being and serve as a healthier coping mechanism.

Eliminate fat-free, low-fat and ultra-processed foods

• I mean, I always have some sort of some sort of like protein bar, kind bar or Laura bar.
• Understanding how to manage these cravings is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about alcohol withdrawal, including its symptoms, duration, and treatment.
• While consuming sugar can provide a short-term energy boost for recovering alcoholics, it’s important to be mindful of the potential long-term effects on health.
• Are there any effects of sugar on addiction recovery?

And then for other people, it’s addiction centers, inpatient, outpatient, whatever works for them. So, you know, gathering all the information is amazing. And I feel like, you know, there’s this process of going down, adding one layer of support, and then another layer of support if you need it, and then another layer of support. Drinking alcohol can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This happens because alcohol can harm the pancreas, which plays a role in controlling blood sugar.

• Consuming alcohol and sugar together might feel like it diminishes feelings of drunkenness.
• Instead, focus on consuming sugars naturally found in fruits and dairy products, and avoid added sugars found in candies, pastries, and sugary beverages.
• This drop in blood sugar levels creates a need for a quick energy boost, which is often fulfilled by consuming sugary foods [2].
• And being sober for this long, it just feels so good.

Work at Sutter Health

Understanding the link between alcohol and sugar cravings is crucial for individuals in recovery. Therefore, recovering alcoholics should strive to find a balance in their sugar consumption to avoid these issues. Understanding the relationship between alcohol and sugar cravings is crucial for individuals in recovery from alcoholism.

Working with healthcare professionals who specialize in addiction can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the recovery process. A healthcare professional can help individuals develop a comprehensive treatment plan that https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/writing-a-goodbye-letter-to-alcohol/ addresses both alcoholism and sugar addiction. Seeking support from friends, family members, or healthcare professionals during alcohol recovery can help individuals stay on track with their diet and manage sugar cravings.

These, in turn, can boost feelings of pleasure and calmness. I quit drinking alcohol during the summer of 2022. I’d realized that why do alcoholics crave sugar it had been dampening my mental health, and I was tired of the incessant anxiety and mood swings that came along with drinking.

Find Support in Addiction Recovery

It is important for individuals with alcohol use disorders to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of hypoglycemia. Maintaining a healthy diet that includes complex carbohydrates and protein can also help stabilize blood sugar levels. By incorporating these healthy alternatives into the diet and seeking support, individuals can break the cycle of alcoholism and sugar cravings. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s essential to find strategies and alternatives that work best for individual needs and preferences.

Are Alcoholism and Sugar Addiction Related?