How to Overcome Brain Fog In Sobriety by Benya Clark Exploring Sobriety

As a therapist that helps people stop drinking, I often hear from clients that they want to make a change, but are intimidated by the potential of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is a real possibility when cutting back or cutting out alcohol, but it can be safely managed and mitigated with the right tools. Alcohol and brain fog may be related to the significant changes in the brain from long-term alcohol use. Blackouts are common with heavy drinking, which can result in side effects after use. The symptoms of brain fog can include confusion, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory loss.

Peter Piraino, LMSW, LCDC, LISAC, serves as Executive Clinical brain fog after drinking alcohol for Renewal Lodge and CEO of Burning Tree Programs. Responsible for executing the vision of Burning Tree’s philosophy of excellence, Peter’s primary goal is to help as many clients as possible gain access to the treatment they need. A clinician by training, Peter incorporates sound, ethical business practices to help inform the organization of its duties to the greater community. By placing the needs of his staff and company ahead of his own, Peter leads with a team approach that continues to inspire the mission of Burning Tree Programs.

Ways to Reduce Brain Fog After Drinking Alcohol

Alcoholism is linked to an increased risk of brain damage, as well as other injuries, including head wounds and sleep apnea. Chronic consumption of alcohol might also induce brain damage in people with cirrhosis of the liver. Of course, brain shrinkage is only one of the consequences of alcohol misuse, and substance use disorders can alter the neurotransmitters’ functions in the brain. Alcoholics’ brains have developed slower than those of nonalcoholics in terms of both volume and weight.

Fortunately, you can rest assured that brain fog goes away like your other withdrawal symptoms. Consequently, when the alcohol level is suddenly lowered, the brain remains in a hyperactive, or hyperexcited, state, causing withdrawal syndrome. While people cannot control their life circumstances, and we all manage stress differently, it’s important to know that even chronic drinkers can recover from alcohol use. The body and brain can recover as well and new cell growth can be observed after substance use and alcohol use is stopped. The harm that drinking may do to your brain, however, can often be reversed with abstinence.

Common Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

However, for all forms of https://ecosoberhouse.com/-related brain damage, quitting drinking is the best first step. The popular drinking term “wet brain” actually refers to a condition within the alcohol-related brain damage family known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome . The disease consists of two separate-but-linked forms of dementia. Those with an alcohol use disorder are commonly malnourished due to a poor diet. Often, this leads to a thiamine deficiency because alcohol blocks a person’s ability to absorb or use the vitamin.

The liver does its best to break down all the extra acetaldehyde, but it can’t keep up with the amount of alcohol you are drinking. That means some acetaldehyde sticks around to keep changing your brain makeup! It’s not clear how long it takes for your brain to be back to normal after quitting, but some studies say at least a few days, and others say up to six months. There are two types of alcohol withdrawal, acute withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal, also known as ‘PAWS’. Acute withdrawal occurs in the first hours and days after you stop drinking, whereas PAWS can last for weeks or even months.