How To Get Rid of Brain Fog From Alcohol Withdrawal

brain fog after quitting drinking

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. Alcohol can also impair our cognition by affecting our diet and vitamin absorption. If you want to learn more about brain fog and how to manage it, here are plenty of helpful resources.

brain fog after quitting drinking

More on Substance Abuse and Addiction

  • Alcohol addiction recovery does not end once a person’s brain fog fades.
  • Let a healthcare provider know if you experience brain fog, especially if it’s disruptive to your daily activities and routine.
  • She is known for taking new hires and students under her wing, teaching them what she’s learned.
  • Alcohol can potentially reduce the flow of oxygen to the brain and increase inflammation, thus affecting its functioning.
  • Julio served as a Medic in the United States Airforce before transitioning to registered nursing and now serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Alcohol does provide a temporary energy boost, but it’s not a sustainable solution. Experiencing brain fog from alcohol withdrawal is part of your recovery journey. Through abstinence, however, studies have shown that a regeneration of brain function, metabolism and brain volume (including white alcohol brain fog matter) is possible. But what exactly happens to the brain when a person who regularly drinks goes cold turkey — even for a short while? For one, most research related to brain changes after alcohol use has studied the brains of heavy drinkers or people who misuse alcohol and then become sober.

How quitting alcohol causes brain fog:

  • In the near term, treatment can help to alleviate other consequences of alcohol in the brain, such as alcohol brain fog.
  • Tap into your social network to help support you through alcohol withdrawal.
  • Processed foods are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can lead to inflammation and impair brain function.

She has served as a nurse in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals and clinics. Prior to joining WelbeHealth, she served as a Nurse Practitioner in psychiatry. She is passionate about helping participants and their families within the community. She delivers high-quality, patient-centered care that makes a difference in her patients’ lives. Becca is a seasoned healthcare operations leader, having served most recently as COO of the Optum Home-Based Medical Care business. She joined Optum as part of Landmark Health, the nation’s largest provider of in-home value-based care, which she initially joined in 2015.

Direct effects of alcohol on the brain

They can help you find treatment options to reduce its impact on you. The duration of alcohol-related brain fog can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the severity of the addiction, how long the individual has been drinking, and other underlying health conditions. Alcohol-related brain fog can generally last several days to weeks after quitting drinking. You must prioritize self-care and engage in healthy habits to support cognitive function during this time.

Can You Die from Alcohol Withdrawal?

brain fog after quitting drinking

It is characterized by difficulty concentrating, confusion, and difficulty remembering things – all of which can be motivating signs that you are on the right track to a healthier lifestyle. Ever found yourself lost in a fog after a night of heavy drinking? That misty cloud obstructing your mental clarity is known as alcohol-induced brain fog, a common yet overlooked symptom of alcohol withdrawal. But how does this fog form and, more importantly, how long does brain fog last after quitting alcohol?

  • Chioma is a passionate and dedicated Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with five years of nursing experience in critical and transitional care.
  • From 2 months to 5 years of abstinence people makeincredible cognitive gains and get very close to a full restoration of normal functioning.
  • As you understand your triggers better, you will learn to cope with them more effectively.
  • One of the best things about getting sober is that there’s a newfound clarity of thought.
  • I started binge-drinking (mostly vodka and bottle-wise wine) in August 2020, went through several withdrawals on my own and have been sober since August 1, 2022.

Alcohol is a solvent that can go directly to the brain through your bloodstream. While stimulating the production of dopamine, it diminishes the effects of glutamate (responsible for alertness and cognitive function). It enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA (which produces calming effects). Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today and begin your journey toward long-term recovery. Dr. Matt Patterson is dedicated to improving the value, accessibility, and experience of healthcare for all people and their caregivers.

brain fog after quitting drinking

What Are Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Manage Them

You may experience brain fog because of this constant flux of hormones or because of other stressors that can occur even early in your pregnancy. You might be experiencing brain fog, a term used to describe a set of symptoms that impact your ability to think. Mental fatigue can make it hard to stay focused and remember facts. It can help to eat healthfully, get creative, and take regular screen breaks. See a doctor if your brain fog persists with other cognitive symptoms. Depending on your situation, you may also need help with medication management to manage your cravings and any co-occurring mental health problems.

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