Does Sugar Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?
People who are recovering from alcohol addiction face many challenges. The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol abuse aren’t the same for everyone. Some people recovering from alcohol addiction may suddenly develop a craving for sweets. Sugar cravings aren’t unusual, and there’s a reason behind the need for sugar. To understand sugar cravings, you must understand what causes some people to develop an alcohol addiction.
Alcohol abuse is a problem that can happen to anyone and could involve different factors. Depending on the person and their circumstances, alcohol addiction can evolve over a period of time or may have a rapid onset due to stress, a death in the family, or work-related or financial issues. According to the Mayo Clinic the most common causes of alcoholism may include psychological, environmental, social, and biological factors.
Everyone handles stressful situations in different ways. According to National Library of Medicine, people who are more prone to stress, depression, and anxiety are more likely to develop alcohol addictions or sugar cravings that manifest as binge eating. The more and longer a person drinks, the more tolerant the system is to alcohol, resulting in heavier drinking, often on a daily basis. People who go out with friends and drink frequently may be more prone to developing an alcohol addiction.
Scientific research conducted by the National Institutes of Health has determined that genes passed down through many generations of a family may be a biological factor in alcohol addiction. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that scientists are conducting studies about genetics and alcoholism.
Religion, social customs, and culture may contribute to an addiction to alcohol. Starting a new job or college is a situation in which people want to be accepted. It’s easy to get into a pattern of drinking with friends and not being able to stop. Another issue is the disturbing trend of teenage binge drinking. Teens have a need to be accepted by their peers and often develop alcohol problems as they get older.
Why Are Sugar Cravings Common During Alcohol Detox?
The Mayo Clinic explains that any form of addiction is a complex medical condition that involves the neurotransmitters in the brain. An addiction is characterized by using a substance like drugs or alcohol or engaging in a negative behavior and not having the ability to stop despite the consequences. Addiction releases neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, that control mood and respond to hyperarousal.
When a person suffers from alcohol addiction, the more they drink, the more dopamine and serotonin are released, giving them a feeling of euphoria. When the person focuses on drinking and ignores priorities like family and work, the solution is treatment for alcohol withdrawal. People with alcohol abuse disorder who drink may feel they have to drink more to get the desired effect from alcohol. Intense cravings to drink alcohol increases the risks of blackouts and severe health problems.
Is There a Connection Between Alcoholism and Sugar Addiction?
An abstract published by the National Library of Medicine states that recent research indicates that many people who are alcohol- or drug-dependent have preferences for foods with high sucrose content. Research studies on animals and humans show that releasing euphoric dopamine and endorphins in the nucleus accumbens is similar to the effect of drugs. The nucleus accumbens is a component of the mesolimbic brain pathway that gets stimulation from experiences that are rewarding, like consuming sugar.
Medical Studies Indicate a Family Connection
The National Library of Medicine study further states there seems to be a connection between drug dependence and sugar addiction. Physiology and genetics may be a factor in a person developing an addiction to alcohol. Research indicates that children of alcoholic parents, especially their fathers, have a greater risk of developing an addiction to sugar and, in some cases, an eating disorder. There’s a possible connection between specific genes and a drug or sugar addiction, especially in children with fathers who are alcoholics.
How Do Sugar and Alcohol Work in the Body?
According to addiction specialists alcoholic beverages and mixers like fruit juice, soda, and liqueurs all contain significant amounts of refined sugar. Due to the sugar content, alcohol raises blood sugar. When a person’s body processes the alcohol, blood sugar levels drop drastically. One of the biggest problems is when there’s increased insulin secretion, the liver isn’t able to release glucose, which could result in low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.
Can Sugar Help Alleviate Symptoms During Alcohol Detox?
Refined sugar in sugary drinks and foods won’t help when a person is withdrawing from alcohol. Excess sugar consumption affects the brain’s neural pathways and may cause weight gain. An essential aspect of alcohol withdrawal is forming new, healthy eating habits. According to WebMD, misusing alcohol affects the appetite in a negative way. Staying away from sugary foods and eating a nutritious diet is beneficial to a successful alcohol detox program. Excess weight gain may affect the self-esteem of a person going through alcohol withdrawal. Consuming foods and drinks that are high in refined sugar could run the risk of a relapse.
How Can Sugar Cravings Be Controlled During Withdrawal?
According to the Harvard Medical School, many specialists are finding the mind-body approach is essential to a successful recovery. Consuming foods that stabilize blood sugar reduces the craving for sugar and alcohol. Foods that are high in refined sugar and low in nutrition can have an adverse effect on the mood during alcohol detox. Mindfulness is beneficial in reducing cravings. One of the keys to successful alcohol addiction is to consume a diet high in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
How to Handle Cravings
Self-care through good nutrition is an essential aspect of successful recovery from alcohol. According to Science Direct, making healthy food choices provides the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients:
- Drink water to prevent dehydration. Symptoms may vary during withdrawal. However, some people experience digestive upsets, including nausea, or may perspire to excess. Drinking water and beverages high in electrolytes to stay hydrated.
- Get rid of foods that have a high sugar content.
- Don’t eat simple carbohydrate foods like white pasta and rice, sugar, syrups and molasses, candy, honey, and soda. Sugar-free soda is acceptable.
- Plan meals ahead and stay on a schedule.
- Read food and drink labels for sugar content.
- Emotional consumption of food usually involves high sugar content. Get outside, take a walk, or engage in a favorite activity until the feeling passes.
- Eat protein-rich foods.
- Avoid situations that cause stress. When a person is in a stressful situation, cortisol increases and increases sugar cravings.
- Let sugar cravings pass naturally. Reiki is an excellent method of reducing stress.
- Slowly drink tea or chew sugar-free gum.
- Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Turning off the TV, listening to soothing music, or reading a favorite book can relax you.
- Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet consisting of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.
- Keep fresh fruits or dark chocolate handy when sugar cravings start.
WebMD states that heavy drinking can lead to the loss of vital nutrients. Some people find it beneficial to seek professional help from nutrition therapists, nutritional health coaches, or dieticians. The consequences of not eating healthy during alcohol withdrawal are that people will make bad choices about food or may skip meals. Digestive issues and the weakening of the immune system may be problematic. If malnutrition becomes a problem, it can lead to long-term health problems.
Will Consuming Sugar Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?
Consider the research and statistics. Consuming a diet high in refined sugar isn’t healthy for anyone. Brain chemistry plays a significant role in the amount of alcohol a person consumes. Some people can control their drinking, and others have to drink more each time until it gets out of control. The only way sugar is beneficial when a person is going through alcohol withdrawal is to consume natural sugars in the diet.
Science Advances indicates that in ketogenic diets, the ketones used by the body and brain take the place of glucose in the diet. Nutrient-rich stews and soups can be beneficial in the early stages of alcohol detox. People going through withdrawal often experience digestive problems or nausea, and the nutrients in these foods are soothing. The most effective way to control sugar cravings is with natural foods.
Fresh fruits, including various fresh berries, grapes, pears, peaches, apples, and bananas, are all excellent choices. When you go back to work or school, pack fruits for lunch and drink plenty of water. Foods that are high in omega-3 fats are necessary to stabilize the brain’s function. Omega-3 fats are beneficial in reducing inflammation and improving mood swings. These foods can help to reduce cravings for sweets, including alcohol. Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding empty calories in sugary foods and drinks is essential.
The Bottom Line About Sugar and Alcohol Withdrawal
Sugar in alcoholic drinks and some foods aren’t beneficial for anyone withdrawing from alcohol. When drinking gets out of control, the best way to overcome the addiction is to get into a treatment program. Alcohol abuse is a serious problem. According to statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 86% of all Americans have drunk alcohol at one time.
When you need help with alcohol addiction, it’s essential to seek professional help to start on the road to recovery. Resources are available to get into a treatment program that can help you quit once and for all. Some people are hesitant to seek help due to depictions on TV and in movies about treatment programs. Alcoholics Anonymous is an excellent resource and even has online meetings.
If you have questions, please contact Alcohol Awareness. We have a free helpline that’s available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can get the help you need from caring, compassionate people who are ready to help. Contact us at 855-955-0771.