Sugar, whether in its natural form or as high fructose corn syrup, affects the brain by boosting levels of dopamine. Dopamine is the same chemical that’s released when an alcoholic drinks. Dopamine is sometimes called the reward chemical because it creates feelings of pleasure – the very feelings the brain wants to replicate. Sugar also increases levels of another hormone called serotonin, which plays a role in mood as well.
While many of us understand the effect sugar has on our weight, its ability to affect hormones related to mood can compel some individuals to engage in addictive behavior. Just as an alcoholic loses control of his or her ability to control drinking, someone who consumes too much sugar may eat uncontrollably, often referred to as binge eating.
Similar to alcoholism, those with a sugar addiction can experience similar withdrawal-like symptoms when sugar consumption is suddenly stopped. For instance, heavy sugar users might feel anxiety or shakiness if they abruptly eliminate their sugar intake. While these symptoms don’t have the potential to cause physical harm (as can occur with alcohol withdrawal), the fact that someone experiences them indicates their brain has been altered in such a way that they feel the need for more of the substance.
Science supports the link between sugar and alcohol. For instance, researchers in one study showed women pictures of a chocolate milkshake made with Haagen-Dazs ice cream. The women who had reported previous problems with food dependence or food addiction showed high levels of brain activity in regions that have been connected to drug and alcohol cravings.
Additionally, research suggests there may be a biological connection between having a sweet tooth and an alcohol abuse problem. For example, a study of more than 300 children found that those with a heightened preference for sugary foods and beverages were more likely to have a family history of alcoholism. These children were also more likely to have a family history of depression, which is an additional risk factor for alcohol abuse. These findings do not mean that everyone with a taste for sweets is destined to develop depression or alcohol problems. It does, however, suggest a connection that may be important for those trying to stay sober.
Trading Alcohol for Sugar
It’s clear that sugar addiction can mimic alcohol use in certain respects. For some recovering alcoholics, that connection can be dangerously close. Addiction substitution is often a challenge for someone in recovery from alcoholism. It’s not uncommon for an addict to trade in one addiction for another. For instance, a heavy drinker might become sober, only to latch onto prescription pills or take up cigarette smoking. However, a sober person might also start using sugar as a substitute for alcohol.
If you substitute alcohol with sugar, you’ll likely use sweetened foods or drinks in the same ways you had used alcohol: you reach for a package of cookies when you’re lonely, gulp down a giant soda when you’re stressed, or dig into a box of chocolates when you’re angry.
Sugar Addiction Is Not Safe
It may seem as though developing a sugar addiction is relatively safe compared to alcoholism. However, eating too much sugar can trigger serious consequences for an alcoholic. Most of us are familiar with the concept that consuming too much sugar will add unwanted pounds and increase our risk for type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition with complications ranging from nerve damage to kidney disease. Furthermore, excess sugar can increase belly fat, which is a risk factor for heart disease. In addition, an addiction to sugar may play a role in the development and feeding of some cancers; high sugar consumption in breast cancer patients has been linked to lower survival rates after diagnosis.
Making sugar foods available in AA meetings is NOT a good practice. It is actually putting vulnerable people at risk.
For help with sugar and alcohol addiction, contact us on 07 560 66315.
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