How to Get Rid of Brain Fog for a Stronger Recovery
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Once alcohol is eliminated and alcohol withdrawal symptoms subside, people recovering from an AUD will feel more like themselves again. This change can initiate them to become more motivated to maintain sobriety. Motivation plays a major role in addiction recovery, considering the rates of relapse. In alcohol addiction treatment, alcohol-induced brain fog is a significant problem.
My journey of recovery brought this once homeless, shame-based, traumatized, insecure young man to a life far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I discovered self-worth, the joy of helping others, the gifts of parenting and grandparenting, and most importantly the ability to live a meaningful and purposeful life with integrity. My name is John Bruna, co-founder of the Mindfulness in Recovery® Institute, and more importantly, a grateful member of the recovery community. Of course, I did not achieve continuous recovery through willpower or my own efforts, but through the guidance and caring support of countless others that selflessly taught me how to live through the 12 Steps. This is an opportunity for your brain power to grow and evolve as you begin to participate in the same activities as you have before, but while sober.
Can Reducing Inflammation Improve Your Recovery from Addiction?
Neurosteroids are substances involved in the metabolism of reproductive hormones that also have potent and specific effects on various functions of the brain. Certain neurosteroids modulate the function of the GABAA receptor (Paul and Purdy 1992; Devaud et al. 1996); plasma levels of these neurosteroids are decreased during AW (Romeo et al. 1996). Because decreases in neurosteroids may contribute to AW symptoms, these compounds may have potential as medications for alleviating withdrawal (Devaud et al. 1996). The significance of this cluster of symptoms has been debated (Satel et al. 1993). For example, PWS could reflect the brain’s slow recovery from the reversible nerve cell damage common in alcoholism.
A person may think they have damaged their brain or need alcohol in order to think, which can trigger a relapse. Most alcohol abusers who are having withdrawal symptoms have a shortage of several vitamins and minerals and can benefit from nutritional supplements. In particular, alcohol abuse can create a shortage of folate, thiamine, magnesium, zinc and phosphate. Medical care is advised for people who consume large amounts of alcohol, as medications can be prescribed to alleviate more severe symptoms, such as trazadone for insomnia.
Why Don’t People Seek Help for Addiction?
Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 July 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 10 July 2023), ASHP (updated 10 July 2023) and others. Treating the body doesn’t end with detox, as symptoms may continue to persist. Hyperreflexia – This overreaction of the nervous system results in changes sober house in heart rate, excessive sweating, muscle spasms, blurry vision, bladder control issues, dizziness, and possible fainting. Fill out the form below and a We Level Up admissions advisor will call you within minutes to help you or your loved one start on the path to long-term sobriety.
Though the effects of an alcoholic blackout level vary depending on how much a person consumes, once they occur, they can last for up to eight hours or more after the intoxicated state ends. Being in a safe environment away from drugs and alcohol is important for those experiencing cravings, particularly when withdrawal symptoms become painful. Having around-the-clock care, with medical providers checking vitals and monitoring symptoms, can be lifesaving, or at the very least, comforting.
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Not surprisingly, most symptoms of withdrawal are symptoms that occur when the brain is overstimulated. Hypertension – Elevated blood pressure can be treated by replenishing the body with electrolytes and water. Hypertension can lead to tachycardia, in which case, further medical treatment would be required. Fatigue – Alcohol dehydrates the body and leads to lower level of vitamin C, causing people to feel the full effects of malnutrition during sobriety. A lack of energy and sluggishness weighs the body down, and some people have trouble moving and staying out of bed.
Anxiety disorders are manifested by extreme fear and anxiety, accompanied by heart palpitations; shallow, rapid breathing (i.e., hyperventilation); sweating; and dizziness. Alcohol has antianxiety properties that promote its use to self-medicate anxiety (George et al. 1990a,b). However, prolonged alcohol use—and especially acute AW states—can increase anxiety levels.
They may also receive IV fluids and certain vitamins that can become depleted with alcohol abuse. Individuals who have a long history of severe alcohol abuse, are detoxing from other drugs at the same time, or have certain medical or mental health conditions may be advised to detox in a medical setting. About 5% of individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal will experience what is known as Delirium Tremens (or DTs). DTs can come on suddenly and typically occur within 48 to 72 hours after alcohol use has ceased.
- In particular, alcohol abuse can create a shortage of folate, thiamine, magnesium, zinc and phosphate.
- If you’re concerned that you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol, speak to one of our recovery advisors today.
- Brain fog or mental fog is a term used to describe the feeling of mental confusion or cloudiness.
- For those who don’t require inpatient treatment, it can still make a big difference to seek support.
The rehabilitation process, however, might differ depending on the intensity and duration of alcohol misuse, age, overall health, and heredity. Brain fog can clear with a combination of techniques and daily practices. People with an AUD have a protracted withdrawal phase due to the alcohol’s potent effects on neuroreceptors, which can last up to 26 weeks after alcohol cessation.