Why Alcohol Withdrawal and Sugar Cravings Can Be Linked

The Science Behind Alcohol and Sugar Cravings

You might have heard of sugar addiction and possibly dismissed the idea as a fad. There is an increasing collection of scientific evidence to back up the theory, however, as well as research on the neurological processes behind sugar addiction.

Over the past couple of decades, in fact, an emerging body of research has pointed to the shared neural mechanisms of sugar and alcohol. Essentially, both substances impact the brain’s reward system. In particular, they can cause spikes in dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter commonly known as the ‘feelgood chemical’.

In certain aspects, sugar mimics the effects of alcohol, and so cravings for alcohol and sugar can get mixed up in the brain, with sugar cravings becoming a natural substitution.

Why Sugar Cravings are Common in Withdrawal

Alcohol increases dopamine levels in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and reward that can encourage continued drinking. Long-term drinking can interfere with the brain’s ability to produce this chemical messenger normally, and when you quit drinking, you can be left in a flat, depressed and washed-out state. Many people in recovery will initially suffer from a lack of dopamine and may find it difficult to drum up enthusiasm or enjoyment in many aspects of their lives.

Sugar can produce that rush of dopamine, temporarily relieving the symptoms. It’s important to note, though, that any such relief from a ‘sugar rush’ will only be temporary. Sugar can also provide an avenue for psychological comfort-seeking during the difficult period that can last for weeks or even months after quitting alcohol.

Blood sugar levels can also rise after quitting, although in most cases this should stabilise within 24 hours.

 

The Risks of Overindulging in Sugar

A spoonful of sugar might help the medicine go down, but at this point the evidence is overwhelming that too much sugar is bad for you – and most of us are already consuming too much sugar. As well as things we might think of as being high in sugar, like non-diet fizzy drinks, cakes and sweets, sugars are present in processed foods and products of all kinds.

Everyone knows that sugar is bad for the teeth but it can also contribute to weight gain, mead to energy crashes and, over time, affect the heart and cardiovascular health. The British Heart Foundation points to research suggesting that sugar consumption can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of any associated obesity or weight gain. 

You might think that the odd sugary indulgence won’t do too much harm, especially if it’s helping you to keep alcohol cravings at bay. Alcohol, after all, is the single biggest risk factor for death, ill-health, and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.

There’s certainly something to that, and when you look at the relative harms, a single cream cake or bowl of ice cream doesn’t compare to the damage that relapse could have on a dependent drinker in recovery. There is a danger, though, in replacing one dependency with another. This could lead to ongoing overconsumption of sugar with all the attendant health risks that can bring.

Healthy Strategies to Manage Sugar Cravings

It is much better to develop healthy strategies to manage both alcohol and sugar cravings, and to maintain the momentum of recovery.

Everyone’s recovery journey is different, and there will be unique challenges along the way. The coping strategies that people develop can also vary widely, but adopting a healthy overall lifestyle is always a good idea. Appropriate levels of exercise, a healthy sleep schedule, a balanced diet and mindful eating can help your mental and physical well-being. This could ultimately help stave off cravings for both alcohol and sugar more than giving in and bingeing on sugary treats.

Some people in recovery find that relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or meditation can help them through cravings, as can keeping busy with new interests or hobbies.

How Sober Relief Supports Sugar Craving Management

Many people also find that supplements like Sober Relief can help to balance the system, boost well-being and stave off cravings for sugar and alcohol alike.

This supplement is built around three main active ingredients. These include Bacopa Monnieri, which is derived from the medicinal herb of the same name and is frequently used as an aid to memory. It can also help manage symptoms linked to quitting drinking by bolstering brain function, diminishing stress and stabilising mood.

Acetate, derived from Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), offers a natural source of fuel for the brain that promotes healthy digestion and increases serotonin levels, another ‘feel good’ chemical similar to the dopamine provided by alcohol and sugar. 

The third main active ingredient is MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides), a type of fat that is known to boost healthy NAD ratios, which relate to cellular energy.