How to Overcome Brain Fog and Regain Clarity During Recovery

This initial phase of sobriety can be invigorating and is often referred to as the “pink cloud”—a period that feels a little like you’ve found a unicorn. So why is it so hard to know whether alcohol is good or bad for us—especially for our brains? In this post, we’ll explore the current science and some practical ideas on how to approach the topic. Many different thoughts may flood into their mind, and a person may not know where their thoughts are coming from. Following a list of tips isn’t easy, especially if you try to do them all at once. Our brains don’t do well at multitasking, that’s why choosing one very tiny goal at a time offers you the best chance of success.

Addiction Info

However, seeking help and support is essential if the symptoms persist or interfere with daily life. A healthcare provider can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to support recovery and improve overall well-being. However, brain fog can persist for extended periods for some individuals and may require professional intervention. This is particularly true for individuals who have been heavy drinkers for an extended period or with a severe alcohol use disorder. Common hormonal imbalances that can cause brain fog include low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) and high cortisol levels (adrenal fatigue). Liver damage can lead to a build-up of toxins in the blood, which can cause a range of symptoms, including brain fog.

• Warren is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who specializes in substance abuse and mental health treatment.
• The duration and frequency of treatments may vary based on the severity of NAD deficiency and the specific goals of the recovery program.
• During early sobriety, areas such as quality sleep, good nutrition and even hydration status can still be impacted by our alcohol abuse (Kverno, 2021).
• Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of fasting with periods of eating, typically within a specific time window each day.

Disrupted Sleep

Alcohol use disorder (or alcoholism) is also a clear issue for the brain. It has been linked to a higher risk for dementia, especially early-onset dementia in a study of 262,000 adults, as well as to smaller brain size. While definitions can be variable, one way to look at this is the consumption of 4 or more drinks on an occasion (for women) and 5 or more for men. Additionally, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ excess alcohol is defined as drinking more than 8 drinks a week (women) and 15 a week (men), or consuming alcohol if you are pregnant or younger than age 21. When people talk about drinking “alcohol,” they’re almost always referring to the consumption of ethanol. Ethanol is a natural product that is formed from the fermentation of grains, fruits, and other sources of sugar.

Brain Fog: What Clears a Cloudy Head Feeling?

• We’re a neuroscience-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and improve their cognitive functioning.
• Even two drinks a day can make a difference in brain size, but as always, the more you drink, the worse the effect.
• Following addiction, this common symptom generally co-occurs with several other symptoms in the stage of recovery after acute withdrawal, known as Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).
• This is no more than seven drinks per week for females and no more than 14 per week for males.
• Generally, several days to a week is a good rule of thumb when quitting alcohol.

A consistent flow of nutrients will keep your brain sharp throughout the day. The fortunate takeaway for recovering addicts is that there are simple ways to feed and train your brain in order to regain mental clarity that is equal or close to where it was before addiction. Here at Sunnyside, we use the science behind habits to help you reach your goals.

[Podcast] Episode 8: Harm Reduction in Alcohol Health with Expert Dr. Andrew Tatarsky

Sometimes, you can even experience low blood sugar levels after having a meal. “People who have been in the ICU or required more severe forms of treatment tend to experience more brain fog,” notes Dr. Krishnan. When these hormonal changes occur, your brain tries to restore balance by releasing and suppressing certain hormones to level everything out. Neuropsychologist Kamini Krishnan, PhD, explains why brain fog has become a popular term of the moment and why brain fog may happen as a symptom of other common conditions. Vitamin supplements and complete abstinence from alcohol may reverse symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome within the first 2 years after stopping drinking.

It’s also why we might have difficulty concentrating or recalling certain things. Many people who drink alcohol experience brain fog, and it can be quite debilitating. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of brain fog after drinking. Brain fog after drinking alcohol brain fog usually lessens within 8 to 24 hours.3 However, the timeframe can be longer for people who experience cognitive impairment as a result of alcohol use disorder. In general, there aren’t any known medications or treatments that correct brain fog directly.

Seven Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Health

• Your thoughts might seem disorganised or “cloudy,” making expressing your ideas or solving problems challenging.
• In fact, brain fog is one of the top three symptoms often listed by long-haulers, who experience prolonged symptoms or delayed symptoms weeks and sometimes months after initial infection.
• So, if you drink before the age of 14, there’s about a 50% chance you’re going to develop an alcohol use disorder in your adulthood,” explains Dr. Anand.
• Alcohol-induced brain fog, a common yet overlooked symptom of alcohol withdrawal, can last up to an impressive 26 weeks after you make the decision to quit drinking.

Eat (and drink) to feel good