It can also help you to be more tired, get to sleep and stay asleep a little bit longer, which also reduces cravings,” Czerwony explains. According to Czerwony, the key features of sugar addiction are volume, frequency and feelings. Even after abstinence, people experiencing chronic opioid use may feel drawn to activities that trigger these receptors. Just remember that the best diets are not really diets at all, but changes in eating behaviors. Old habits are hard to break, especially when you try to quit cold-turkey.
Eating healthy foods provides your body with important nutrients it’s likely missing due to drinking. Besides eating healthy, it’s also best to avoid high-sugar products, such as highly processed foods. A dietitian can help you come up with a satisfying meal plan to ensure that https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-do-alcoholics-crave-sugar-in-recovery/ you are eating balanced meals throughout the day. A mental health professional could help you identify potential triggers and find alternative ways to deal with cravings. It’s not unusual to crave carbs, sugar, and chocolate when you are stressed or dealing with depression.
Tips For Eating Less Sugar After Quitting Drinking
BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. Alcohol cravings can be difficult to manage alone, and there’s no shame in needing a little extra support. Coping tips can absolutely offer short-term solutions when you’re trying to cut back on alcohol. That said, permanently changing your relationship with alcohol may require a more in-depth approach. Checking in with another person in your life who’s trying to stop drinking can certainly help you ride out a craving with someone who understands. “A typical craving might last for 3 to 5 minutes,” notes Christina Hanks, senior recovery coach and care team manager at Tempest.
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can in turn lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to a variety of issues, including cravings for sugary foods. The body may be trying to compensate for these imbalances by seeking out sugary foods, which can lead to further cravings.
Evolutionary Basis of Sugar Withdrawal
Drinking alcohol also causes your pancreas to produce more insulin. Drinking a lot over time also reduces the overall effectiveness of insulin in the body. Certain antidepressants also show promise for helping reduce drinking when you live with depression. Your care team might recommend this approach if you experience symptoms of anxiety and depression along with cravings. If you’ve tried addressing your cravings on your own without success, you may want to talk to your doctor. Sometimes, cravings for certain foods can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
The year 2020 was one of the most challenging in modern history, one that took a toll on our mental and physical health. Don’t forget, you can ask questions anytime, and we’ll do our best to find the right expert to point you in the right direction. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ By Nancy Schimelpfening
Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be.