Sugar and alcoholism can have similar effects on the body and cause an unhealthy addiction to a harmful substance. Sugary foods such as candy, soda, and breaded snacks make people feel good when they consume them. This is why people with depression, anxiety, and addiction turn to sugary snacks and unhealthy eating habits. During an alcohol addiction treatment program, patients learn about the dangers of alcoholism and discover how eating healthy foods can help ease the recovery process.
At Swift River, we support men and women who are struggling with addiction to alcohol and are ready for a positive change. In addition to our addiction treatment, we offer nutritional education to teach patients and their families healthy eating habits that will benefit their recovery. We provide patients with a well-rounded treatment experience that addresses all aspects of their physical and mental health. To learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program, call 413.570.9698 or fill out our online form today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Why Do Alcoholics Crave Sugar?
Sugar affects the pleasure and reward center of the brain and can become very addicting to men and women who are recovering from alcohol addiction. When you eat or drink something with a lot of sugar, it impacts the brain the same way that alcohol and other drugs do. It releases a massive amount of dopamine and causes a heightened pleasurable effect.
While alcohol contains minimal amounts of sugar, sugary soda and other drinks are common mixers with hard liquor. Eating sugar can reduce the cravings for alcohol. This can be very beneficial in the recovery process as long as patients don’t replace one addiction with another. Sugar is an unhealthy substance and can cause significant health problems, such as:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Gum disease and tooth decay
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers
- Dementia
- Cognitive decline
- Depression and other mental health disorders
Why do alcoholics crave sugar? At Swift River, our nutritional experts will show you the correlation between sugar and alcoholism and how both are bad for your health and happiness. We give our patients healthy coping skills for managing their cravings and how to prepare healthy meals that will benefit their recovery.
Understanding Sugar and Alcohol Cravings
Alcohol and sugar cravings create the same strong desire to consume more. Drinking alcohol increases insulin secretion and stops the liver from releasing glucose. If you don’t eat sugary foods while drinking, after your body processes all of the alcohol, blood sugar levels will drop significantly, causing intense cravings.
Here are some tips for reducing alcohol and sugar cravings:
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. At a party, have one alcoholic drink followed by a glass of water.
- Eat a balanced diet of healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. It’s best to have a full stomach before drinking alcohol.
- Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Eat naturally sweet foods. Fruits and dark chocolate are excellent healthy treats.
- Eat for your health and not for pleasure.
Sugar and alcoholism affect the body the same way and can cause intense cravings. Eating nutritious meals with healthy snacks throughout the day is one of the best ways to fend off cravings for more alcohol and sugar in a natural way.
Swift River – Massachusetts: Nutrition Education for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
At Swift River, we help men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with addiction to alcohol, opioids, or other harmful substances. Our nutritional experts understand how sugar and alcoholism can cause similar effects and teaches patients how healthy eating habits can ease their cravings and improve their recovery experience. We offer a wide range of treatment programs, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group and individual therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Creative writing
- Nutrition education
- Family therapy
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, take that first step toward a better life by calling 413.570.9698 today to speak with our friendly team. You can also fill out our online form and let us get back to you.
