Sugar Cravings in Sobriety
Now that you’ve made the courageous decision to quit drinking, the future looks brighter. But did sugar cravings replace the alcohol cravings? The truth is, it’s common for women who quit drinking to, out of nowhere, start craving sugar or sweets. Take it from a sugar loving Christmas Elf herself, my sugar cravings were out of control. I am talking ice cream, baked goods and the chocolate oh the chocolate, every hour on the hour.
We know that it can be challenging going from craving one substance to another. But by understanding the cause, you’ll be better equipped to handle it and move forward.
Sugar Cravings Start in the Brain
For people who quit drinking, it’s natural to think that you’re craving sugar because your body is used to the high sugar content found in alcoholic drinks. While this is a logical assumption, there is a deeper link. And it all starts in the brain. According to a recent study, eating sweets causes your brain to release dopamine. That’s the reward-based chemical that makes you feel good.
So why does that matter? Well, drinking alcohol can have the same effect. After you quit drinking, your body knows that it can reach a similar state through sugar. In fact, according to the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, sugar affects many of the same neural pathways in the brain as alcohol does.
The Transfer
The name might give it away, but a transfer addiction is when you quit one addictive behavior (like drinking), and it gets replaced with another. And given how similar alcohol and sugar react in the brain, going from one to the other can happen. Alcohol withdrawal and sugar cravings can go hand in hand.
Heavy Drinking and Low Blood Sugar
Did you know that it’s common for people who have struggled with alcohol addiction to have low blood sugar? The liver, the organ that processes any alcohol you drink, is in charge of releasing glycogen into your blood. Alcohol stops this from happening, causing your blood sugar to drop. That’s why alcohol withdrawal and sugar cravings happen frequently.
When your blood sugar is low, it’s natural for your body to crave sweets to counteract it. Even if you indulge and give your body sugar to level out, it won’t solve the issue long term. Your blood sugar will drop again, landing you right back where you started.
Without staying on top of your sugar intake, you can find yourself caught in this cycle. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you suffer from low blood sugar. You’d be surprised at how some diet changes can help ease your sugar cravings.
You Can Do This!
Now that you know why you have sugar cravings after quitting alcohol, let’s talk about how to address those feelings. The good news is you have the ability to overcome your sugar cravings. You’ve already made the decision to stop drinking, so the process is something you’ve experienced before. Here are some ways you can start to curb your sugar cravings:
-Self-compassion. Be proud that you decided to quit drinking, celebrate the win and use it to make more progress
-Research and create a plan that lowers the amount of sugar in your diet
-Seek help from your support system
Sugar cravings are just one of the many topics we cover in A Sober Girls Group Coaching. Change your relationship with alcohol with the support of a safe, loving space with like minded women. Space is limited, join now to reserve your spot.