Overcoming Cancer-Induced Brain Fog and Other Mental Issues

The increased liquid intake and stimulation of your circulatory system helps to hydrate faster than water alone. Alcohol addiction recovery does not end once a person’s brain fog fades. They should continue to seek counseling and move into a sober living facility. If they relapse, they can always return to inpatient care or try a new sobriety strategy out.

  • 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.
  • The cognitive issues may wax and wane — in Covid-related brain fog as well as other types, said Jacqueline Becker, a clinical neuropsychologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
  • “You build up a tolerance, and after a while, you don’t feel as good as you once did with the same amounts of alcohol.”
  • Brain fog can also be a symptom of illness; it can occur with Lyme disease, lupus and multiple sclerosis, after cancer treatment or even during a particularly bad cold.

Dr. Becker’s team at Mount Sinai is leading a clinical trial of a cognitive rehabilitation program in hopes that they can teach the brain to rewire itself and reduce symptoms of brain fog. The rehab involves learning and practicing skills for improving memory and attention, as well as emotion-regulation https://ecosoberhouse.com/ training to help patients, she said. Some may tell you to sweat it out, but we don’t advise hitting the gym. When you have hangover brain fog, you’re more at risk of having an accident. You’re also already dehydrated, and the sweating can make hangover symptoms worse.

Can a Pet Help You Recover From Addiction?

Blackouts are common with heavy drinking, which can result in side effects after use. Brain fog related to drinking stems directly from alcohol’s effects on the brain. Some scientists theorize that alcohol-induced confusion comes from increased inflammation around the brain how long does brain fog last after drinking cells. They should seek mental health services and pursue therapy that deals with all of their conditions at once. During cognitive-behavioral therapy, a person will work with their therapist to identify the thought patterns that trigger their anxiety and alcohol use.

Why do I have such bad hangxiety?

What causes hangxiety? Hangxiety occurs when the sedative effects of alcohol begin wearing off, causing withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced by people dependent on alcohol. When drinking alcohol, normal brain functionality is disrupted, and an excess of “feel-good” chemicals (like endorphins) are released.

People who drink regularly may also notice that booze doesn’t have the same effect on them as it used to. “With chronic drinking, the wiring element to your brain’s reward system can get worn out and lose some of its normal functioning,” said Pagano. “You build up a tolerance, and after a while, you don’t feel as good as you once did with the same amounts of alcohol.” Perhaps you couldn’t think clearly when you were sick with the flu or another illness.

Why Cancer Causes Mental Issues

When a person is exposed to something that triggers a stress response, the immune system becomes inflamed, which can contribute to brain fog symptoms. Therefore, controlling stress can help a person maintain a clearer mind. 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. Problems with memory, focus, and decision-making can contribute to the feeling of brain fog.

Alcohol abuse can cause brain fog by inhibiting the energy metabolism of our brain’s neurons. When alcohol isn’t metabolized properly, less glucose is available to fuel neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA. An alcohol use disorder causes brain damage due to malnutrition and inflammation caused by an overabundance of toxic metabolites such as ammonia, acetaldehyde, and free radicals. Alcohol abuse also leads to a poor diet which can also contribute to brain fog symptoms. While you’ll be back to your sharp self shortly, taking these steps to alleviate brain fog can reduce your symptoms and help you get back up to speed. Here’s what you need to know about how to reduce brain fog symptoms.

Mood disorders

When your GABA receptors are overstimulated, it can decrease brain function and result in brain fog. To keep your brain healthy and to get rid of brain fog, we recommend a diet of roughly 50% healthy fat from nuts, avocados, coconut oil, olive oil, wild salmon, eggs, and grass-fed meat. Into Action Recovery Centers provides an abstinence-based program and all of our staff members have a strong understanding of the recovery process through personal experience. We are passionate about sharing the process involved in living a drug and alcohol-free life.

how to cure brain fog after drinking

“Brain fog” is not a medical condition but a group of symptoms like memory trouble, lack of focus, fatigue, and scattered thoughts. Low nutrient levels can be a cause, so taking supplements may be beneficial. Living an isolated life is not what the brain is meant to do,” says Wilhour. Disconnection can also contribute to depression, which can lead to brain fog, she says. One study on more than 66,000 people found that those who were most mentally fit had a combination of social connection and social engagement (versus just one or the other). Make sure to focus on your friendships and spend quality time with people you love on a regular basis.

Ways To Eliminate Your Brain Fog Once And For All [Part 5]

While dehydration does play a role, there are several other things that can happen to your body after an evening at an open bar. Our goal is for you to leave our office with a memorable and enjoyable experience, which is why our welcoming and compassionate staff will do everything they can to make you feel right at home. You might want to try one of the latest personal biofeedback devices such as the emWave2, Muse, NeuroSky, or Thync. Most of these techniques can deliver noticeable stress relief within a few minutes.

And appropriate therapy to help cope with depression and anxiety can also help. Many factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, medical issues, and sleep deprivation, may contribute to brain fog. If you have brain fog, speak with a healthcare professional to rule out serious potential causes and find the proper treatment. Multiple factors may be contributing to your brain fog, so it’s important to work with a medical professional to get to the bottom of why you’re experiencing these symptoms and create a treatment plan. What’s more, a small study found that 200 mg of L-theanine per day helped reduce stress-related symptoms and improve sleep and certain aspects of cognitive health compared with a placebo (42).

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