In two sets of models, sweet-cope and sweet-control were examined as predictors of T2 sweet craving, sugar consumption, and alcohol craving, controlling for T1 levels of the dependent variable. Each model was conducted separately because the use of sweets to cope with negative affect and impaired control over eating sweets reflect distinct correlates of sweet liking (Kampov-Polevoy et al., 2006). Such findings suggest that individuals high on these attitudes toward sweets may use sweet foods as a functional substitute during periods of increased negative affect or alcohol craving in the early recovery period. However, the associations between attitudes toward sweets, sugar consumption, sweet craving, and craving for alcohol has received little empirical attention in treatment-seeking samples.

• What you’re essentially doing in having sugar is manually taking control of these two mechanisms for a while, until your system is more balanced.
• This is because drinking can impact your appetite, taste buds and nutrient absorption.
• “Sweet preference, sugar addiction and th[…]l pathways and genes.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, June 2010.
• Being sober has given me the freedom to choose what I put my energy into and has given me the resilience and strength of mind to stick to my goals.
• In this case, your mind and body are tempted to replace alcohol with sugar.
• Research staff reviewed medical records of ADP patients for potential eligibility.

After eating a meal high in carbohydrate or sweets, insulin levels stay up a long time and cause your blood sugar to crash later. First and foremost, don’t give into self-judgment about replacing alcohol with sugar. Going into a shame spiral about giving in to the lure of a piece of cake will only be counterproductive. If relenting to sugar cravings has kept you from drinking, then look at it as a lifesaver and forgive yourself. Although it may be a slow process, there’s a way out of sugar dependence and beating yourself up isn’t going to help you gain redemption.

Practices to Combat Sugar Cravings During Recovery

For instance, heavy sugar users might feel anxiety or shakiness if they abruptly eliminate their sugar intake. While these symptoms don’t have the potential to cause physical harm , the fact that someone experiences them indicates their brain has been altered in such a way that they feel the need for more of the substance. For instance, researchers in one study showed women pictures of a chocolate milkshake made with Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

Ironically, your blood sugar is lower than normal, which can leave you stressed and irritated. As a result, you may instinctively choose a “quick energy” option like foods high in sugar. As discussed above, sugar can be as addictive as alcohol for some people. Excessive consumption of fructose sweeteners, for example, can lead to fatty liver disease—just like alcohol.

Is It Okay to Replace Alcohol with Sugar in Sobriety?

Sugar is similar to alcohol in the sense that it can become addictive if consumed too often. Think back to why your brain and body became addicted to alcohol. Whenever you would drink, the alcohol would release a rush of dopamine that would make you feel good. When struggling with hypoglycemia, you’re left with symptoms like irritability, aggression, headaches, dizziness, confusion, lack of concentration and impulsive decision-making.

This is why many people who try to quit “cold turkey” experience cravings among other withdrawal symptoms. While they’re why do alcoholics crave sugar likely craving the substance itself, they also know they can’t use it if they want to overcome their addiction.

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Almost like a shadow, it seems to follow you throughout your day. It would be easy to give in, but you’ve seen all the recent news about the negative effects it can have. We’re talking about sugar cravings after giving up alcohol. High-calorie, high-sugar, low-nutrient foods are frequently a go-to in early recovery, and are frequently served at some rehabilitation centers and mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The mindset some have in early recovery is “as long as I’m not drinking…”.