When someone quits drinking alcohol, they may expect to feel intense cravings or discomfort. However, people are usually surprised when they are hit with strong sugar cravings. On the surface, the connection between sugar and alcohol may seem weird. At Atlanta Detox Center, we know that understanding what sugar addiction is and how it is connected to alcoholism will enable you to handle it better if you find yourself in such a situation.

The Link Between Sugar and Alcohol

It’s natural for people suffering from alcoholism to think that their body is craving sugar and alcohol. This is because of the sugar content found in most alcoholic drinks. Sugar addiction starts in your brain since eating sweets can cause the release of dopamine, which is the reward-based chemical that brings euphoric sensations.

But how are sugar and alcohol connected? Eating sugar can have the same effect as drinking alcohol. Once a person quits alcohol, the body assumes that it can reach a similar state by eating sugar since it affects the same neural pathways as alcohol.

What Is Transfer Addiction?

Transfer addiction refers to the transfer of addictive behaviors from one substance to another. Given how alcohol and sugar have similarities in how they can affect the brain, going from alcoholism to sugar addiction can happen.

Addictive behavior persists because addiction is a disease. Usually, there is an underlying reason or condition that’s fueling the addiction. This is why Atlanta Detox Center in Georgia offers holistic addiction treatment therapies and alcohol addiction treatment programs that address the underlying causes of alcoholism. This way, your chances of developing transfer addiction will be reduced.

Low Blood Sugar and Alcohol

Sugar and alcohol are connected because most people who struggle with alcoholism also suffer from low blood sugar. The liver processes the alcohol that enters the body, and this organ also releases glycogen in the blood. Alcohol disrupts this process, therefore causing blood pressure to drop.

When blood sugar is low, it’s natural for the body to crave sugar or sweets. Even if you give in to your cravings, the long-term issue will still reoccur. If you are not careful, you may find yourself stuck in this cycle.

How to Deal with a Sugar Addiction

Here are some strategies to help you curb your sugar cravings:

Eat Every Four Hours

If you skip meals, your body will release stress hormones that will cause a crash or spike in your blood sugar level. This will leave you irritable, feeling tired, and craving sweets.

Limit Caffeine

Never drink coffee before having a full meal. If you want to indulge yourself in a cup of coffee, make sure your stomach is full. Or better yet, skip the coffee and drink green tea instead.

Eat Breakfast

When you wake up, your blood sugar levels are low. Eat carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats for breakfast to set your mood and energy for the day.

Get Good Sleep

If you want to get rid of sugar and alcohol cravings, get at least eight hours of sleep. This will improve your stress response and do wonders for your hormones and blood sugar.

Avoid Refined Sugar

The more sugar you eat, the more you will crave it. Instead, opt for healthier snacks like:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Sparkling water
  • Fruit
  • Nuts

Be Patient

It takes a while to rewire your brain chemistry, so don’t be too tough on yourself. Give yourself time to readjust.

Contact Atlanta Detox Center Now to Help You Defeat Your Sugar Addiction

If you’re struggling with sugar and alcohol, we’re here to lend you a hand. Fighting alcoholism and sugar addiction is difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re in Georgia and you’re interested in learning about our admissions program, we would be happy to help. Contact Atlanta Detox Center today by calling 470-450-2355 or completing our convenient online form for more information.

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