Skip the Monday blues and give a big hello to Primary Therapist at Lantana, Chip Eggleton, on this #MeetTheTeam Monday. Chip was inspired to pursue a substance use disorder treatment career after his experience with the recovery community. The best way to combat this issue is to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. This can be done by setting limits on how much you drink, avoiding drinking in situations where you may be tempted to overindulge, and seeking advice from others.

• “I think I’ve seriously damaged my brain. Maybe a seizure. Sudden sharp pains in the head. Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations. Confusion. Couldn’t walk right.”
• “Most of my withdrawal symptoms are gone, but I still have sharp pains in my head, can’t sleep, and get night sweats.”
• 47% of COVID-19 patients who have prolonged symptoms experience brain fog.
• “I’m feeling so much better about my life and my actions. I love life without alcohol. Every day that passes, I realize the cravings are fewer and farther between. I’m not so tired all the time.”
• The severity of these alcohol withdrawal symptoms isn’t limited to just physical symptoms.

Whether or not a person engages in drinking should be a decision they make on their own, or with the help of a doctor or mental health professional. For many people without a history of dependence or addiction, Pagano said, drinking at low or moderate levels—no more than seven drinks a week for women, and no more than 14 a week for men—can be a healthy part of life. Heavy drinking also may speed up memory loss in early old age, at least in men, according to a 2014 study in the journal Neurology. Not everyone will have exactly the same experience when they stop drinking.

Children’s Health

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak to a medical professional. This organ is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and converting nutrients into energy. These deficiencies can lead to symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, and irritability. Brain fog in addiction recovery can be frustrating to overcome, especially when you’re attempting to focus on proper coping skills and therapy. Some of the effects, like slurred speech and loss of balance, can be very obvious. 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.

These changes in the brain also cause people to change their behaviors around alcohol. “They become much more likely to seek alcohol and to rely on it to cope with negative feelings,” said Ray. “Often when people start drinking, they drink to feel good—but as they drink more chronically, they have to drink to avoid feeling bad.” One of the greatest gifts of recovery is that I have the opportunity to give back and help others discover their self-worth, dignity, and the skills to fully live lives that they find truly meaningful. This is the inspiration for developing the skills of Mindfulness in Recovery® (MIR) to meet the needs of new generations struggling with alcohol and other substance use disorders.

Common Questions About Alcohol, Fatigue, and the Solution

However, a 2018 study published in The Lancet suggests that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Even low levels of consumption can harm your health; higher levels of consumption have worse effects. Some of those effects, like slurred speech and diminished memory, can be quite clear; others, like long-term cellular damage, may not be as obvious. Renewal Lodge by Burning Tree is a residential treatment center in Texas that offers a holistic approach to treating alcohol use disorder.

“Fortunately, not near the hell the first three [days] were. I am hoping that means I may finally sleep tonight. For me, the toughest parts are the vomiting (dry heaves), insomnia, and anxiety.” “Feeling better. Best night’s sleep in some time. Weird dreams but not too nasty and scary. Feel a little weak, but I did avoid food for about four days. Very reflective still.” “The physical symptoms aren’t so bad, but my mind seems to be trying to figure out how I can have https://ecosoberhouse.com/ just one drink. I have plans to get some yard work done, so that will keep me busy.” “Tried again today, but it was severe this time—bad shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat. Instead of going to the hospital or doctor, I tried to wean and reduce for a few days.” By Sarah Bence

Sarah Bence, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and freelance writer. She specializes in a variety of health topics including mental health, dementia, celiac disease, and endometriosis.

What are the Stats On Rehab and Recovery?

They can help you get medical attention should you have severe symptoms. The cravings and the urge to drink do not suddenly disappear after 30 days of abstinence. Quitting drinking, even without making other changes, can help you return to better physical health, but regaining emotional and psychological balance can be challenging. “I’m very irritated at times. I feel really good about my choice to quit drinking. I have headaches often and I have weird and bad dreams. Every night I dream that I’m having a drink again.” “Now that most of the physical symptoms have gone away, time to work at staying sober. This is usually where I mess up and drink because I am feeling better and think I can handle it. I know I can’t.”

• Alcoholics have been shown to have lower levels of GABA receptors than those who are not alcoholics (R).
• Here’s how people reported their symptoms on day one after quitting alcohol.
• Feeling terrible, unable to think clearly, and struggling to make sound decisions can make it all too tempting to reach for a drink again.
• Irrational thoughts that lead to impulsive behavior are replaced by more reasonable ones.
• However, by understanding the connection between alcohol and cognitive function, recognizing brain fog symptoms, and taking steps to manage symptoms, individuals can support their recovery and improve their overall well-being.

Alcoholism is linked to an increased risk of brain damage, as well as other injuries, including head wounds and sleep apnea. Alcoholics’ brains have developed slower than those of nonalcoholics in terms of both volume and weight. This brain shrinkage affects the “wiring” alcohol brain fog in the brain that connects regions and the areas of the brain that enable neurons to communicate with other neurons. The rapid recovery of brain volume from alcohol-induced shrinkage is due to some factors, including the activation of neuroprotective pathways.

Reducing stress

They may find conversations hard to follow, or they may not be able to pay attention to presentations. Alcohol brain fog is just as common, and it can be devastating for the recovery process. Experiencing brain fog following addiction can be a frustrating experience, but hang in there. The smoke will clear in due time and your noggin will be back in shape before you know it, especially with the help of these brain-boosting practices. Sometimes, brain fog is less related to slow brain function and due more to overactive brain activity, such as over-analyzing a simple situation or obsessing about a problem. One way to let go of nit-picking or ruminating thoughts is to channel your energy into a creative activity, like drawing, needlepoint or cooking.

• If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of alcohol-related brain fog, seeking help and support from a qualified healthcare professional is vital.
• Engaging in new activities is a great way to give your brain a workout.
• It’s important to recognize that brain fog isn’t just some mysterious phenomenon—it’s often a result of our brain struggling to function at its best.
• The duration of alcohol-related brain fog can vary depending on several factors.
• I choose Renewal Lodge because of the vision of its mission and the dedication of its team.