Brain Fog After Quitting Alcohol: Causes, Duration, and Recovery Tips

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Alcohol And Brain Fog: How To Get Rid Of It In Recovery

It’s important to recognize and accept that this phase, just like the detox phase, is only temporary. The rewards of maintaining sobriety far outweigh the temporary discomforts and you are not alone in this journey. Even worse, alcohol increases the production of stress hormones, like cortisol, in the body that can lead to an energy crash once you quit consuming alcohol.

• While a detox diet might sound extreme, it’s a demi-decent way to cleanse your body of unwanted toxins.
• Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.
• Chronic alcohol use can damage brain structures and interfere with memory, concentration, and emotional regulation.

Medication and Detox Programs

Dr. Villalba regularly volunteers at the Huntington Beach Senior Center, where she enjoys gaining wisdom from the elderly and serving her community. Amy Shin is an advocate for equitable healthcare, with expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, dual-eligible, long-term care, and commercial health care. She brings strength in strategic planning, improving operational efficiencies, and innovating to advance healthcare. Most recently, Ms. Shin served as CEO of Health Plan of San Joaquin, where she oversaw healthcare delivery to underserved areas of California. Blaire Bernard, JD, is an experienced healthcare lawyer who has focused her career on supporting providers whose mission is to expand access to value-based care. When she’s not working, Sukhvinder enjoys spending time with family, traveling, camping, and cooking.

Mindfulness Techniques for Focus

In addition, exercise can also help to improve your sleep quality, which can further help reduce the symptoms of alcohol fog or brain fog in general. Your provider will also discuss any side effects to look out for while you’re taking a new medication. Regarding brain fog and COVID-19, new research shows that brain fog is a result of the virus living in your gut after infection symptoms resolve. This will be different for everyone, and I know that’s not what you want to hear. The physical benefits of quitting drinking happen faster, and the cognitive benefits lag behind a bit.

If you are under the influence of alcohol consumed, whether to excess or not, it’s harder to make smart decisions. You might get in trouble at work, with your partner, or even with the law. Fortunately, research shows that even brain shrinkage from alcohol Substance abuse can be reversed, sometimes as quickly as three weeks after you quit drinking. Drinking too often leaves little time in between for your body and brain to heal.

• She completed her undergraduate training in gerontology at McMaster University.
• It’s also important to note that if an individual experiences brain fog after quitting drinking, it’s possible that they may experience other withdrawal symptoms as well.
• You might feel like nobody can understand what you’re dealing with, living with brain fog, but you aren’t alone.
• In some cases, persistent brain fog may be part of a condition known as alcohol-related cognitive impairment.
• Currently, alcohol abuse treatment often only covers the first phase of detox.

They may not remember people’s names, even people who they know well. They may not be able to form short-term memories because they are confused or thinking about other things. Struggling with alcoholism can feel overwhelming, but support and hope are always within reach.

Brain fog from alcohol typically lasts for 8 to 24 hours after drinking. However, the time frame can be longer for people who regularly consume heavy amounts of alcohol and then stop drinking. Brain fog is a term used to describe cognitive difficulties, such as trouble with focus, memory, and thinking. It’s often characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, or a lack of mental clarity. We often don’t realize it, but water actually helps our brain cells communicate with each other. When we’re dehydrated, our brain function can become significantly impaired.

The Physical Impact: Alcohol Detox Symptoms

Supplements such as magnesium, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins may be beneficial in recovery. In fact, many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who go through the detoxification process experience prolonged brain fog. This is largely because our body is working hard to clear a buildup of alcohol-related toxins while also battling cravings for more alcohol, making it difficult to think clearly. Continuous cannabis abstinence may improve cognitive performance, according to research. Though studies is ongoing and divided, heavy use may cause longer-term cognitive problems.

She is compassionate about patients of all ages, but seniors hold a special place in her heart. She provides the education, resources and support that her patients need to stay active and healthy. Nesren is passionate about educating patients and the community about health issues and preventive care. Having spent several years working at Children’s Cancer Hospital, she took a position with Hospice and Palliative Care, managing Medicare patients and conducting in-home health assessments. Her compassion for seniors and her focus on providing quality care are very appreciated among the participants at WelbeHealth. When she’s not tending to patients, Marshe finds joy in rest and rejuvenation.

While most instances of alcohol-induced brain fog are temporary, chronic heavy drinking can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairments. Reducing alcohol consumption and adopting a healthy lifestyle can aid recovery. The amount and frequency of alcohol consumption play significant roles in determining how long brain fog may last.

How to Deal with Foggy Brain Menopause & Aid Brain Function

If you are dealing with alcohol addiction and are looking for an addiction treatment center in Massachusetts, contact our team at GBAC and take your first step towards recovery and sobriety. Brain fog after quitting alcohol is temporary and recovery is possible. At North Star Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, we offer medical detox and residential care in a luxury setting that prioritizes comfort and safety. Call North Star Treatment today to start healing and regain clarity. Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and helps reduce brain fog drinking symptoms.

“However, the extent of regional cortical thickness recovery over an extended period of abstinence (e.g., greater than 6 months) is unknown.” Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey. This book has helped so many men and women; and we want to give it you for FREE. Get signed up today and discover how to unlock the grip of addiction and get back to living your best life. That’s why our programs are founded and staffed by people in recovery – people who truly understand.