Why Do So Many People Crave Sugar After Quitting Alcohol?
If you’re currently sober and abstaining from alcohol, you may have noticed you’re craving sugar more than usual. But why does this happen?
From the psychological factors to the impact it can have on alcohol withdrawal, in this article, we will explore the link between alcohol and sugar cravings after quitting.
Why Do So Many People Crave Sugar After Quitting Alcohol?
The craving for sugar after quitting alcohol is actually quite a common phenomenon, and it can often take those in recovery by surprise.
Sugar cravings after quitting alcohol can be attributed to a number of physiological and biochemical changes that occur in the body. When an individual stops consuming alcohol, a substance known for its high caloric content, primarily from sugars and carbs, the body begins to seek alternative sources of these lost calories and energy.
Craving sugar after quitting alcohol can also be related to hormonal changes. When a person consumes alcohol regularly, their body adjusts to the high sugar content found in many alcoholic beverages.
Once alcohol consumption stops, the body may still crave that sugar boost. See below for a few ways hormones may be involved in this process.
It’s important to understand that these hormonal changes are just one part of why people might crave sugar after quitting alcohol. Psychological factors, habits, and even individual factors, such as metabolism, can also play a part in why people get sugar cravings after quitting drinking.
The Psychological Factors of Cravings
Psychological factors significantly contribute to sugar cravings after quitting alcohol. Habit replacement is a key factor. It’s common for individuals to substitute one habit with another as a coping mechanism, which is why alcoholism and sugar addiction are often linked.
Emotional eating also becomes a relevant factor for some, which is when individuals turn to food, especially comfort foods high in sugar, to cope with emotional stress or changes associated with recovery.
Additionally, the psychological impact of addiction and the recovery process cannot be understated. The stress and anxiety felt, especially during the early stages of recovery from alcohol dependency, often lead individuals to seek ways that they can temporarily soothe these feelings.
The Impact of Alcohol Withdrawal on Cravings
Alcohol withdrawal has a profound effect on both the body and the mind, which can manifest in increased sugar cravings.
Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol addiction can be an uncomfortable experience, often involving mood swings, anxiety, and depression, all of which can lead to an increased desire for sugary foods as a form of self-medication. The physical symptoms of withdrawal, such as fatigue and headaches, can also prompt individuals to consume more sugar for quick energy and relief.
Nutritional Factors to Consider in Alcohol Recovery
Nutritional imbalances due to alcohol consumption can also play a significant role when it comes to sugar cravings after quitting alcohol.
This is because alcohol interferes with our ability to absorb and utilise essential nutrients, which is why it’s common to see various nutrition deficiencies in those who are in alcohol addiction recovery.
When one stops drinking, the body starts to rectify these imbalances, often leading to increased cravings for specific types of food, including sugar-rich items replacing alcohol. Moreover, alcohol itself is high in empty calories, and once its consumption is stopped, the body seeks other sources of these quick calories.
How to Manage Sugar Cravings When Quitting Alcohol
Managing sugar cravings during alcohol recovery and ensuring that overall health and well-being are a priority is incredibly important. See below for some useful tips on how to manage sugar cravings after quitting alcohol.
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We hope you’ve found our article on why some individuals experience sugar cravings during alcohol withdrawal. If you’re finding it difficult to remain sober and believe you might be struggling with alcohol addiction, reach out to our team today.