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Eating sweet foods can reduce the intensity of these drug cravings by giving a short dopamine boost, which could be the difference between remaining in recovery or experiencing a relapse. Sugary foods can help those in recovery because they why do alcoholics crave sugar affect the brain like addictive drugs. During the early days of addiction recovery, people often battle intense drug cravings and may be calorically deficient. The preference for sugary foods extends beyond effects specific to drug use.
NCBI makes a strong case for this, as we can briefly explore here to give more context to why recovering alcoholics crave sugar. It is important to focus on complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars. Complex carbohydrates, found in foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, are digested more slowly, resulting in a steadier release of glucose into the bloodstream. This helps prevent sudden spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which can trigger sugar cravings.
In addition, research indicates cocoa powder can help suppress appetite, and the protein in the milk will help you feel full. Some dietitians suggest adding a scoop of protein powder for an extra nutritional boost and to keep you satisfied for longer. Try to eat a healthy meal or a healthy snack every few hours during the day.
Alcohol and sugar both have the potential to activate the brain’s reward system, leading to feelings of pleasure and temporary relief from stress or emotional discomfort. This overlap in the brain’s response can make sugar an appealing substitute for alcohol. Consuming sugary foods provides a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, providing a temporary sense of relief. However, this quick spike is often followed by a crash, leading to further cravings for more sugar.
Research has found that chewing gum can suppress food cravings and help people eat less. Gum can also keep your mouth occupied if you’re in an environment with a lot of tempting foods, such as at a social gathering, Pope says. “I have people tell me they chew gum when they are preparing food so they don’t mindlessly taste,” she says.
You can keep cravings at bay by starting your day off with a breakfast high in protein, Alexander says, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or a low-sugar smoothie with protein powder. Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can add natural sweetness to foods without adding sugar. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews can provide a crunchy texture and a source of healthy fats.
Sugar and other replacement rewards are not enough to break the destructive cycle of a substance use disorder. If you wish to quit substance misuse, please consider professional addiction treatment services to receive a full range of interventions that https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/rappers-that-struggle-with-addiction/ can help ensure a successful recovery. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in the brain and is released in response to a reward or pleasurable experience. Sugar tastes great, and eating or drinking it is rewarding since it causes dopamine release.
First, it reduces blood sugar, causing the body to seek sugar from other sources. Second, exactly because the body has gotten used to receiving sugar instead of producing glucose, it amplifies sugar cravings. This is exactly why Alcoholics Anonymous actually suggested consuming sweets to help manage alcohol cravings; it’s an effective substitute. To counteract the drop in blood sugar, the body may trigger sugar cravings as a means to restore glucose levels and provide an immediate source of energy.
