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Specific nutrients that can play a role in cognition and memory include vitamin B-12, iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids. A lack of some nutrients, such as magnesium, can also contribute to the development of mood disorders that can also lead to brain fog. 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. MIR is a set of evidence-based skills designed to help people fully integrate their tools of recovery in ways that are personalized, practical, and in alignment with their deepest values.
- The following sections provide answers to some frequently asked questions about brain fog.
- However, if the following lifestyle changes don’t improve your brain fog, reach out to your doctor to determine if an underlying medical condition could be to blame.
- Deficiencies can also often occur due to underlying inflammatory health conditions such as Celiac disease.
- This is defined as difficulties with concentration, confusion, and a lack of mental clarity.
You can ask your doctor about using certain medications to treat alcohol-related brain fog. Some of these medicines include antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills which reduce https://ecosoberhouse.com/ alcohol cravings by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the body. Other drugs that are used for treatment are DMAE, Ginkgo Biloba, Magnesium, or piracetam.
Can Alcohol Cause Brain Fog?
However, mental health conditions such as depression can cause brain fog to occur. Changes to a person’s hormone levels can affect their brain alcohol brain fog functioning, especially during pregnancy or menopause. People going through menopause often cite brain fog as an issue affecting them.
In the near term, treatment can help to alleviate other consequences of alcohol in the brain, such as alcohol brain fog. This is defined as difficulties with concentration, confusion, and a lack of mental clarity. 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. 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. For most of us, brain fog is related to lifestyle or temporary stressors. Renewal Lodge by Burning Tree is a residential treatment center in Texas that offers a holistic approach to treating alcohol use disorder.
Recommended Lifestyle Changes
In alcohol addiction treatment, alcohol-induced brain fog is a significant problem. It can even happen after alcohol detox or rehab, as alcohol damage lingers in your body long after you quit drinking alcohol. Alcohol abuse can cause memory issues similar to those of dementia psychosis. Mood disorders like anxiety and depression are the most common alcohol-related mental issues. Alcohol changes how your brain processes information, which can impact memory, moods, sleep patterns, appetite, and overall energy levels.
It is important to note that recovery from alcohol addiction is a lifelong process, and the brain may continue to heal and recover for years after quitting. However, the earlier an individual seeks treatment and stops drinking, the greater the likelihood of a successful recovery and improved brain function. For many, life after alcohol requires an ongoing commitment to sobriety and a healthy lifestyle.
