Why do junkies need sugar

Craving sweets ever since you started recovery? Although drug addiction and sugar consumption may seem unrelated, the two are more connected than most people realized. Addiction is a disease that results in chemical changes to the brain. The result is an unnatural high and euphoric rush that over time, the brain becomes dependent on and begins to crave. Because people in recovery are no longer able to get high off drugs and may still be struggling to find ways to meet their psychological needs, they will look for alternatives to get this same euphoric feeling.

While little kids are warned not to eat too much sugar because of the risk of getting cavities, eating sugar in addiction recovery may have more serious consequences. In early recovery, people are struggling to find the same chemical high and fill the same psychological needs that drugs provided for them.

The result may be that the recovering drug addict becomes addicted to sugar now instead of drugs. Specifically, drug abuse often triggers the reward system in the brain.

These drugs can disrupt the normal flow of chemicals or cause a surge of neurotransmitters or chemical messengers in the brain. The result is an unnatural euphoric rush that the brain comes to crave. These drugs also increase the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter related to reinforcement of pleasurable activities.

This is why many addicts struggle to stop on their own without the help of an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. Sugar has a similar effect on the brain.

It causes the same initial euphoria as drugs, hence the term sugar rush , but is typically less intense. The sugar crash is also similar to the comedown of some abused drugs. Although people are not as likely to become addicted to sugar in the same ways as they would to drugs, there is some evidence to suggest that intermittent sugar intake can lead to both behavioral and chemical changes in the brain that are similar to the effects of substance abuse.

Because drug addiction and sugar cravings involve the same chemicals and parts of the brain, some drug addicts will crave sugar. They may come to look for this same effect outside of just drugs, and sugar is a less intense but still a viable way of achieving this. Unfortunately, because their bodies are used to higher amounts of these chemicals, they may consume large amounts of sugar in one sitting to chase this high. In particular, drug addicts in early recovery may start to experience sugar cravings as their bodies go through drug withdrawal and their brain desperately craves these chemical changes that the drugs are no longer providing.

So why do people abuse food and drugs? However, for sugar addiction, drug abuse, and alcoholism, there are steps you can take to overcome the addiction. The next time you find yourself craving sugar, follow one of these steps: Revisit your diet — Most people who are truly addicted to sugar have a diet that is lacking in healthy nutrients.

Modifying your meal plan can help. After all, protein helps balance blood sugar and reduces yearning for excess sugar. Eating protein and other nutrient-rich foods allows your brain to reset its desire for the unhealthy, sugar-based foods. You can also help diminish your daily cravings for sugar by setting a healthy foundation for your day as soon as you wake up. Allow time each morning for a nutritious breakfast that includes healthy proteins such as eggs or protein shakes. Starting off the day with a wholesome meal can help decrease your need for sugar throughout the day.

Almonds, peanut butter, and yogurt products are great options, as well as string cheese. Protein bars often contain large amounts of sugar, so check the label before you indulge. What about if there are doughnuts in the lunch room at work, or a candy dish out in the open at home? Avoid these temptations by bringing your healthy snacks to work and eliminating the sugary sweets at home. A well-quoted study limited healthy young men to just four hours of sleep for two consecutive nights.

Take supplements for support — Recent studies demonstrate that healthy omega-3 fatty acids may help increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Since research has shown that serotonin helps regulate both mood and appetite levels, fish oil supplementation may help reduce sugar cravings. Fish oil supplements supply essential fatty acids which can lessen insulin resistance. Other supplements such as Vitamin B and amino acids, such as L-Glutamine, may help process carbohydrates in your body and lessen your cravings for sugar.

Always check with your healthcare professional before beginning any dietary supplement regimen. When Is It Time to Change? Withdrawal from any addictive substance may involve some unpleasant, harsh, and challenging experiences, including: Irritability, shaking, anxiety, and agitation Reduced energy and feeling lethargic Muscle aches and pains Gastrointestinal issues including abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea When it comes to sugar detox and treatment, the key difference is there is little chance the individual will harm themselves or others.

The Next Steps Safely overcoming an addiction to sugar, junk food, drugs, or alcohol requires professional guidance. Related posts. Mental Disorders from Drug Use April 30, Who Needs Drug Detox Programs?

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