Discover why Ambien and alcohol don’t mix, the bad side effects of Ambien, and whether this drug is addictive. We’re answering all your sleep med questions on today’s blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
After yet another night of tossing and turning, you decide to ask your doctor about medications for insomnia. You’ve only heard of one — Ambien — but you’re not sure whether it’s a good fit for your symptoms. It seems like a pretty serious drug; can you even drink while taking it?
No, you can’t mix alcohol and Ambien. Why not?
Today, we’re exploring the dangerous combination of taking Ambien with alcohol. We’ll also answer your frequently asked questions about this sleep med, including “Is Ambien addictive?” and “Can you take Ambien every night?”
Ambien, available under the generic name zolpidem, is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia — difficulty falling or staying asleep — in adults. It’s part of a drug class called “sedative-hypnotics,” which includes most sleeping pills and tranquilizers.
Ambien works by activating a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, for our fellow neuroscience fans), which inhibits neuronal behaviors responsible for insomnia. It’s so strong that most of us will be out like a light within 30 minutes of taking it.
Despite that efficacy, zolpidem isn’t prescribed much these days. There are three reasons that Ambien has fallen from popularity: its harsh side effects, addictive potential, and severe interactions with substances like alcohol.
Like any medication, Ambien is associated with side effects. While some issues may only manifest when starting the drug or upping our dose, we should talk to our doctor about those that don’t improve over time. The following are considered common complications of zolpidem:
Doctors classify certain side effects as severe; if we experience any of these, we should immediately seek medical attention:
When people talk about the bad side effects of Ambien, they’re usually talking about the dangerous sleep behaviors associated with this drug. While under the influence of zolpidem, some patients have gotten out of bed and driven their cars, sleepwalked, prepared food, or initiated sex with their partners. They were fully unaware the entire time. Upon waking, they could not remember doing any of it. If we learn that we have engaged in any activity while taking Ambien, we should discontinue the medication and contact our doctor immediately.
While Ambien is technically less habit-forming than benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax, to name a few), it still has a high addictive potential. Our body becomes accustomed to the neurochemical changes associated with the drug, which means that we might develop a tolerance for zolpidem and need more of it to achieve the same effect.
We may also experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, rebound insomnia, anxiety, and even seizures when we skip a dose. This occurs because the brain expects Ambien-induced neurochemical activity every night. When that doesn’t happen, our brain kicks into high gear in an attempt to reach equilibrium.
At the same time, we begin to associate Ambien with sleep and may doubt our ability to get a good night’s rest on our own. Some people take more of the drug than recommended or ask their doctor to continue prescribing it. Over time, this combination of physical and psychological dependence can develop into a full-blown addiction.
So, is it safe to take 5mg of Ambien every night? What about 10mg?
We can take Ambien every night for the duration of our treatment, which should not exceed six weeks. Most of us will only receive prescriptions lasting between a few days and four weeks. This is because the FDA specifically cautions providers that long-term administration of this drug is not recommended, and “treatment should be as short as possible.”
To put it more directly: we may take Ambien every night while it is prescribed to us, but we probably won’t be on it for very long. Part of the reason for the FDA’s warning is the risk of dependence (as outlined above). Another deterrent is Ambien’s strong interaction with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol.
Both Ambien and alcohol are CNS depressants, which means they slow down our brain’s activity. When combined, the depressant effects of both the drug and the drink are doubled, which impairs us further and makes us vulnerable to life-threatening health problems.
For example, combining alcohol and Ambien can cause severe levels of sedation, cognitive impairment, and worsened motor functioning. This makes us more likely to fall, accidentally injure ourselves, or make poor decisions with lasting consequences.
However, there’s a much bigger risk of mixing these substances. Together, Ambien and alcohol may cause respiratory depression. This is the medical term for slow, shallow breathing that causes carbon dioxide to build up in our blood and reduces the amount of oxygen that can reach our lungs. We may not realize anything is wrong and think we’re just falling asleep. Our loved ones might observe symptoms like labored breathing, blue skin, nausea, headache, and fatigue. Respiratory depression is a leading cause of fatal overdoses.
If your doctor has prescribed Ambien, they have determined that the benefits of this drug outweigh the downsides associated with it. By following their advice and the medication guidelines, we can stay safe while taking zolpidem. There are a few best practices we can follow while on this medication:
Before starting any new prescription drug regimen, it’s a good idea to do some research about the way your meds can interact with substances like alcohol.
Because of the risks inherent in mixing these two substances, it’s best to abstain entirely from alcohol while taking Ambien.
If we must imbibe, it’s crucial to wait for alcohol to completely leave our system before taking this sedative-hypnotic medication. How long that process takes depends on our weight, gender, and what we drink.
While the internet is full of estimates — for example, it generally takes an hour for the average person to metabolize a standard drink versus 14 to 17 hours to clear Ambien from their system — it’s best to talk to our doctor instead of guessing when it’ll be safe to take sleeping pills after drinking. The risks are too great to leave it up to chance.
Most medical professionals will assure us that it’s never a good idea to combine Ambien and alcohol. If we’ve been prescribed this drug and drink often, we should discuss our alcohol intake with our primary care provider and come up with a new plan moving forward. After all, there are plenty of substitutes for zolpidem.
Ambien isn’t the only option for those of us struggling with insomnia. To improve our sleep quality without taking zolpidem, let’s consider other medications, herbal remedies, supplements, and behavioral changes.
First, we can talk to our doctor about prescription alternatives to Ambien. Sleep aids like Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), and Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are popular options. These medications use different methods of action and may better meet our needs. Depending on our experience with Ambien or concerns about the drug, our provider might choose to prescribe one of these substitutes instead of zolpidem.
We may also want to explore the wide variety of herbs and supplements on the market. Many of us have probably taken melatonin to help with insomnia, which is a hormone available in the form of pills or teas. If that hasn’t worked in the past, we can consider valerian root, chamomile, lavender, green tea, and magnesium, which are all recommended for those struggling to sleep.
Finally, behavioral changes can make a massive difference in our insomnia. Establishing a consistent bedtime and practicing mindfulness are two easy ways to prime ourselves for a good night’s rest. We can also cut back on caffeine, naps, and screen time, which all disrupt our sleep-wake cycle. Incorporating regular exercise into our routine can also contribute to some well-timed, much-needed exhaustion.
Now we know that mixing Ambien and alcohol is a bad idea — in fact, drinking while on this drug can be life-threatening. Because both substances are CNS depressants, we may be more likely to experience side effects like dizziness, falling, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and respiratory depression when we combine them. In short, drinking on Ambien is never worth the risk.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to address sleep disorders without Ambien. Alcohol may play a role in our insomnia. If we’re looking for relief from sleepless nights, we may want to start by reevaluating our relationship with alcohol. Drinking disrupts our sleep-wake cycle, which increases our risk of issues like insomnia.
If you’d like to quit or cut back, Reframe offers science-backed readings and community support that can kickstart your journey to recovery. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play today!
After yet another night of tossing and turning, you decide to ask your doctor about medications for insomnia. You’ve only heard of one — Ambien — but you’re not sure whether it’s a good fit for your symptoms. It seems like a pretty serious drug; can you even drink while taking it?
No, you can’t mix alcohol and Ambien. Why not?
Today, we’re exploring the dangerous combination of taking Ambien with alcohol. We’ll also answer your frequently asked questions about this sleep med, including “Is Ambien addictive?” and “Can you take Ambien every night?”
Ambien, available under the generic name zolpidem, is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia — difficulty falling or staying asleep — in adults. It’s part of a drug class called “sedative-hypnotics,” which includes most sleeping pills and tranquilizers.
Ambien works by activating a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, for our fellow neuroscience fans), which inhibits neuronal behaviors responsible for insomnia. It’s so strong that most of us will be out like a light within 30 minutes of taking it.
Despite that efficacy, zolpidem isn’t prescribed much these days. There are three reasons that Ambien has fallen from popularity: its harsh side effects, addictive potential, and severe interactions with substances like alcohol.
Like any medication, Ambien is associated with side effects. While some issues may only manifest when starting the drug or upping our dose, we should talk to our doctor about those that don’t improve over time. The following are considered common complications of zolpidem:
Doctors classify certain side effects as severe; if we experience any of these, we should immediately seek medical attention:
When people talk about the bad side effects of Ambien, they’re usually talking about the dangerous sleep behaviors associated with this drug. While under the influence of zolpidem, some patients have gotten out of bed and driven their cars, sleepwalked, prepared food, or initiated sex with their partners. They were fully unaware the entire time. Upon waking, they could not remember doing any of it. If we learn that we have engaged in any activity while taking Ambien, we should discontinue the medication and contact our doctor immediately.
While Ambien is technically less habit-forming than benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax, to name a few), it still has a high addictive potential. Our body becomes accustomed to the neurochemical changes associated with the drug, which means that we might develop a tolerance for zolpidem and need more of it to achieve the same effect.
We may also experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, rebound insomnia, anxiety, and even seizures when we skip a dose. This occurs because the brain expects Ambien-induced neurochemical activity every night. When that doesn’t happen, our brain kicks into high gear in an attempt to reach equilibrium.
At the same time, we begin to associate Ambien with sleep and may doubt our ability to get a good night’s rest on our own. Some people take more of the drug than recommended or ask their doctor to continue prescribing it. Over time, this combination of physical and psychological dependence can develop into a full-blown addiction.
So, is it safe to take 5mg of Ambien every night? What about 10mg?
We can take Ambien every night for the duration of our treatment, which should not exceed six weeks. Most of us will only receive prescriptions lasting between a few days and four weeks. This is because the FDA specifically cautions providers that long-term administration of this drug is not recommended, and “treatment should be as short as possible.”
To put it more directly: we may take Ambien every night while it is prescribed to us, but we probably won’t be on it for very long. Part of the reason for the FDA’s warning is the risk of dependence (as outlined above). Another deterrent is Ambien’s strong interaction with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol.
Both Ambien and alcohol are CNS depressants, which means they slow down our brain’s activity. When combined, the depressant effects of both the drug and the drink are doubled, which impairs us further and makes us vulnerable to life-threatening health problems.
For example, combining alcohol and Ambien can cause severe levels of sedation, cognitive impairment, and worsened motor functioning. This makes us more likely to fall, accidentally injure ourselves, or make poor decisions with lasting consequences.
However, there’s a much bigger risk of mixing these substances. Together, Ambien and alcohol may cause respiratory depression. This is the medical term for slow, shallow breathing that causes carbon dioxide to build up in our blood and reduces the amount of oxygen that can reach our lungs. We may not realize anything is wrong and think we’re just falling asleep. Our loved ones might observe symptoms like labored breathing, blue skin, nausea, headache, and fatigue. Respiratory depression is a leading cause of fatal overdoses.
If your doctor has prescribed Ambien, they have determined that the benefits of this drug outweigh the downsides associated with it. By following their advice and the medication guidelines, we can stay safe while taking zolpidem. There are a few best practices we can follow while on this medication:
Before starting any new prescription drug regimen, it’s a good idea to do some research about the way your meds can interact with substances like alcohol.
Because of the risks inherent in mixing these two substances, it’s best to abstain entirely from alcohol while taking Ambien.
If we must imbibe, it’s crucial to wait for alcohol to completely leave our system before taking this sedative-hypnotic medication. How long that process takes depends on our weight, gender, and what we drink.
While the internet is full of estimates — for example, it generally takes an hour for the average person to metabolize a standard drink versus 14 to 17 hours to clear Ambien from their system — it’s best to talk to our doctor instead of guessing when it’ll be safe to take sleeping pills after drinking. The risks are too great to leave it up to chance.
Most medical professionals will assure us that it’s never a good idea to combine Ambien and alcohol. If we’ve been prescribed this drug and drink often, we should discuss our alcohol intake with our primary care provider and come up with a new plan moving forward. After all, there are plenty of substitutes for zolpidem.
Ambien isn’t the only option for those of us struggling with insomnia. To improve our sleep quality without taking zolpidem, let’s consider other medications, herbal remedies, supplements, and behavioral changes.
First, we can talk to our doctor about prescription alternatives to Ambien. Sleep aids like Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), and Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are popular options. These medications use different methods of action and may better meet our needs. Depending on our experience with Ambien or concerns about the drug, our provider might choose to prescribe one of these substitutes instead of zolpidem.
We may also want to explore the wide variety of herbs and supplements on the market. Many of us have probably taken melatonin to help with insomnia, which is a hormone available in the form of pills or teas. If that hasn’t worked in the past, we can consider valerian root, chamomile, lavender, green tea, and magnesium, which are all recommended for those struggling to sleep.
Finally, behavioral changes can make a massive difference in our insomnia. Establishing a consistent bedtime and practicing mindfulness are two easy ways to prime ourselves for a good night’s rest. We can also cut back on caffeine, naps, and screen time, which all disrupt our sleep-wake cycle. Incorporating regular exercise into our routine can also contribute to some well-timed, much-needed exhaustion.
Now we know that mixing Ambien and alcohol is a bad idea — in fact, drinking while on this drug can be life-threatening. Because both substances are CNS depressants, we may be more likely to experience side effects like dizziness, falling, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and respiratory depression when we combine them. In short, drinking on Ambien is never worth the risk.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to address sleep disorders without Ambien. Alcohol may play a role in our insomnia. If we’re looking for relief from sleepless nights, we may want to start by reevaluating our relationship with alcohol. Drinking disrupts our sleep-wake cycle, which increases our risk of issues like insomnia.
If you’d like to quit or cut back, Reframe offers science-backed readings and community support that can kickstart your journey to recovery. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play today!
Alcohol dehydrates us by contributing to fluid loss. Hydrating with water before, during, and after drinking alcohol is important to avoid potential harmful side effects.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Feeling groggy? Does it seem like no matter how much water you drink, you’re still thirsty? These are signs of dehydration. Does alcohol make you dehydrated? There are many things that can make you dehydrated, but alcohol is a notorious one!
Let’s delve deeper into the science behind dehydration, how alcohol dehydrates us, and ways we can treat and avoid excessive dehydration from alcohol.
Our body requires water and fluids to maintain normal functions. Dehydration is when we lose more fluids than we take in. Water and other fluids in our body are important for regulating body temperature, keeping our tissues (such as eyes, nose, and mouth) moist, protecting organs and tissues, carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells, and dissolving minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to our body. When we get dehydrated, our body is unable to regulate these important functions, putting us at risk of various health complications.
We can become dehydrated from simply not drinking enough water. Whether we’re too busy and forget to drink water, have a lack of access to safe water, or we don’t have enough water while traveling, hiking, or camping, there are many reasons we might not be getting enough H2O throughout our day. However, these are not the only reasons our body loses fluids. Let’s look at some other ways we may lose electrolytes or fluids from our body:
No matter the cause of our dehydration, it’s important for us to replenish our fluids as soon as possible. Being dehydrated can lead to some serious consequences, which we’ll investigate further.
When our body lacks fluids, it can lead to many health risks. First, let’s take a look at some basic signs and symptoms of dehydration.
If we notice these symptoms, we should increase our fluid intake. But what happens if our dehydration goes untreated for a long period of time? Well, it can get pretty serious. Let’s take a look at some health consequences caused by severe dehydration:
Severe and lasting dehydration is extremely dangerous and usually requires medical treatment, whereas most cases of mild or moderate dehydration can be resolved by drinking more fluids. But what about alcohol dehydration?
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, but why does alcohol dehydrate you? There are several ways alcohol can dehydrate us. When we drink alcohol, it gets absorbed into our bloodstream through our stomach but mostly through our small intestines. From there, the alcohol is processed by enzymes in the liver. As the liver breaks down the alcohol, it is converted into a substance called acetaldehyde, which can be toxic in high doses. Our liver quickly works to break down acetaldehyde into acetate. According to science, about 90% of alcohol is eliminated by our liver, but 2-5% of alcohol leaves our body through urine, sweat, or breath. And since alcohol increases our heart rate, it makes us sweat more, which accelerates how fast we become dehydrated.
Since alcohol travels through the bloodstream, it can travel to other areas of our body including the pituitary gland in our brain. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating our growth, metabolism, and reproduction by creating and regulating hormones. When alcohol reaches the pituitary gland, it blocks the creation of vasopressin, which is known as the antidiuretic hormone or the hormone that helps us retain fluid in our body. Blocking this antidiuretic hormone causes fluids to pass directly through the kidneys to our bladder, which is why we have to pee way more while drinking alcohol. This effect is why alcohol is often thought of as a diuretic.
Additional ways we can become dehydrated after drinking include vomiting from the alcohol, losing fluids and developing an electrolyte imbalance, and not drinking enough water before or after consuming alcohol. Dehydration is also a common effect of hangovers, and for a more in-depth look, check out our blog: “The Science Behind Hangovers: Why They Last as Long as They Do.”
So, we’ve been drinking and are not sure if we’re dehydrated or not. Let’s find out by checking out some of the most common signs of alcohol dehydration:
If we’re experiencing any of these after excessive alcohol consumption, we could have alcohol dehydration, which can result in serious health consequences.
We know alcohol can make us dehydrated, but not everyone gets dehydrated at the same rate. Let’s go through some reasons why dehydration from alcohol may impact different people differently.
All these factors contribute to the severity of dehydration we get after drinking alcohol. So what can we do about it?
We’ve had a night out, and the next morning we wake up and aren’t feeling well. How should we combat our alcohol dehydration? Let’s review some ways we can rehydrate and feel better.
It’s important to rehydrate properly after drinking alcohol. This will allow us to recover and feel better for the day.
Although we can’t fully prevent dehydration that accompanies drinking alcohol, we can take steps to help our body process the alcohol and lessen the effects of dehydration. Let’s review some things we can do before drinking alcohol to prevent severe dehydration.
Following these tips can help prevent our dehydration from becoming extreme after drinking.
Alcohol dehydrates us through its diuretic effect and contributes to fluid loss through sweating or vomiting. Extreme dehydration for a long period of time can be extremely damaging to our body and can even be fatal. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, and if we’re going to be drinking alcohol, be sure to include water whenever possible.
Feeling groggy? Does it seem like no matter how much water you drink, you’re still thirsty? These are signs of dehydration. Does alcohol make you dehydrated? There are many things that can make you dehydrated, but alcohol is a notorious one!
Let’s delve deeper into the science behind dehydration, how alcohol dehydrates us, and ways we can treat and avoid excessive dehydration from alcohol.
Our body requires water and fluids to maintain normal functions. Dehydration is when we lose more fluids than we take in. Water and other fluids in our body are important for regulating body temperature, keeping our tissues (such as eyes, nose, and mouth) moist, protecting organs and tissues, carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells, and dissolving minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to our body. When we get dehydrated, our body is unable to regulate these important functions, putting us at risk of various health complications.
We can become dehydrated from simply not drinking enough water. Whether we’re too busy and forget to drink water, have a lack of access to safe water, or we don’t have enough water while traveling, hiking, or camping, there are many reasons we might not be getting enough H2O throughout our day. However, these are not the only reasons our body loses fluids. Let’s look at some other ways we may lose electrolytes or fluids from our body:
No matter the cause of our dehydration, it’s important for us to replenish our fluids as soon as possible. Being dehydrated can lead to some serious consequences, which we’ll investigate further.
When our body lacks fluids, it can lead to many health risks. First, let’s take a look at some basic signs and symptoms of dehydration.
If we notice these symptoms, we should increase our fluid intake. But what happens if our dehydration goes untreated for a long period of time? Well, it can get pretty serious. Let’s take a look at some health consequences caused by severe dehydration:
Severe and lasting dehydration is extremely dangerous and usually requires medical treatment, whereas most cases of mild or moderate dehydration can be resolved by drinking more fluids. But what about alcohol dehydration?
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, but why does alcohol dehydrate you? There are several ways alcohol can dehydrate us. When we drink alcohol, it gets absorbed into our bloodstream through our stomach but mostly through our small intestines. From there, the alcohol is processed by enzymes in the liver. As the liver breaks down the alcohol, it is converted into a substance called acetaldehyde, which can be toxic in high doses. Our liver quickly works to break down acetaldehyde into acetate. According to science, about 90% of alcohol is eliminated by our liver, but 2-5% of alcohol leaves our body through urine, sweat, or breath. And since alcohol increases our heart rate, it makes us sweat more, which accelerates how fast we become dehydrated.
Since alcohol travels through the bloodstream, it can travel to other areas of our body including the pituitary gland in our brain. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating our growth, metabolism, and reproduction by creating and regulating hormones. When alcohol reaches the pituitary gland, it blocks the creation of vasopressin, which is known as the antidiuretic hormone or the hormone that helps us retain fluid in our body. Blocking this antidiuretic hormone causes fluids to pass directly through the kidneys to our bladder, which is why we have to pee way more while drinking alcohol. This effect is why alcohol is often thought of as a diuretic.
Additional ways we can become dehydrated after drinking include vomiting from the alcohol, losing fluids and developing an electrolyte imbalance, and not drinking enough water before or after consuming alcohol. Dehydration is also a common effect of hangovers, and for a more in-depth look, check out our blog: “The Science Behind Hangovers: Why They Last as Long as They Do.”
So, we’ve been drinking and are not sure if we’re dehydrated or not. Let’s find out by checking out some of the most common signs of alcohol dehydration:
If we’re experiencing any of these after excessive alcohol consumption, we could have alcohol dehydration, which can result in serious health consequences.
We know alcohol can make us dehydrated, but not everyone gets dehydrated at the same rate. Let’s go through some reasons why dehydration from alcohol may impact different people differently.
All these factors contribute to the severity of dehydration we get after drinking alcohol. So what can we do about it?
We’ve had a night out, and the next morning we wake up and aren’t feeling well. How should we combat our alcohol dehydration? Let’s review some ways we can rehydrate and feel better.
It’s important to rehydrate properly after drinking alcohol. This will allow us to recover and feel better for the day.
Although we can’t fully prevent dehydration that accompanies drinking alcohol, we can take steps to help our body process the alcohol and lessen the effects of dehydration. Let’s review some things we can do before drinking alcohol to prevent severe dehydration.
Following these tips can help prevent our dehydration from becoming extreme after drinking.
Alcohol dehydrates us through its diuretic effect and contributes to fluid loss through sweating or vomiting. Extreme dehydration for a long period of time can be extremely damaging to our body and can even be fatal. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, and if we’re going to be drinking alcohol, be sure to include water whenever possible.
Drinking while taking antipsychotic medication can increase our risk of side effects, including orthostatic hypotension, respiratory depression, and even overdose.
If you need to cut out alcohol so you can safely take Latuda, try Reframe! Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Sitting in your psychiatrist’s office, you may feel nervous about starting a new prescription. After all, there’s a learning curve with any medication, especially when you’re trying to manage conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. What can you do while taking these prescriptions? What should you avoid? Can you even drink alcohol anymore? Let’s explore Latuda, its side effects, and its contraindications.
Available under the generic name lurasidone hydrochloride, Latuda is a popular antipsychotic medication designed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It’s especially helpful for battling bouts of bipolar depression — the weeks-long lows you may experience from time to time.
Latuda works by blocking the action of certain dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. This balances the levels of these neurotransmitters. Reducing excess dopamine alleviates psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, while enhancing serotonin activity regulates our mood. Additionally, blocking certain serotonin receptors improves cognition and reduces psychosis.
To summarize: by altering our serotonin and dopamine levels, Latuda (lurasidone) acts as an antidepressant and antipsychotic.
Unlike many antipsychotics, Latuda leaves most other receptors alone, meaning that we’re a bit less likely to experience serious complications like cognitive impairment, weight gain, and oversedation. However, we may still experience side effects after starting this medication:
Latuda side effects: long-term, they vary from person to person. We might observe instances of involuntary movement (tardive dyskinesia) and metabolic change. Discontinuing the medication may result in Latuda withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and dizziness. We shouldn’t try to stop taking the drug on our own — instead, it’s best to seek medical advice before making any changes.
Some side effects are a warning sign that something is very wrong. High blood sugar can be a major concern, especially for those of us with diabetes. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include confusion, frequent urination, excessive hunger or thirst, nausea, weakness, and fruit-scented breath. If your blood sugar levels seem to change after starting Latuda, or if you begin to have thoughts of suicide, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Whenever we start a new medication, it’s important to be aware of how it will interact with other substances we eat or use. Antibiotics, antifungals, herbs (especially cannabis and St. John’s Wort), and even grapefruit can influence the effects of lurasidone hydrochloride. To prevent any problems, tell your doctor about all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are currently taking.
It’s also important to be aware of how lifestyle choices will interact with Latuda. For example, since Latuda reduces our ability to regulate our body temperature, we should avoid dehydration, heavy exercise, and prolonged sun exposure to avoid overheating.
Drinking on lurasidone hydrochloride can also be a bad idea. Let’s explore the relationship between Latuda and alcohol, how these substances interact with one another, and the potential risks of combining them.
First, we need to consider the conditions Latuda is prescribed for and how alcohol can impact them. Those of us with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may be more likely to drink heavily than the general population, which places us at increased risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Alcohol is the most misused substance among people diagnosed with schizophrenia. In fact, an estimated 24% to 36% of those diagnosed with schizophrenia have struggled with alcohol use disorder. The numbers are similar in the bipolar population — over 46% of those with bipolar disorder meet the criteria for AUD.
Ongoing alcohol misuse can worsen the symptoms of people with schizophrenia, placing us at increased risk of depression, suicidality, aggression, and acts of violence. Additionally, it heightens the likelihood of medication nonadherence, meaning that we probably won’t take our antipsychotics on time. This reduces the efficacy of our meds and may cause a resurgence of delusions or visual and auditory hallucinations.
If we’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, especially if we have hallmarks of treatment-resistant bipolar, we should be mindful of our alcohol use. Research shows that AUD exposes those of us with this condition to risks like rapid cycling, mixed mania, frequent hospitalizations, and slower recovery from our symptoms.
Now that we understand how drinking can impact our underlying conditions, let’s explore the interaction of alcohol and Latuda.
While there is limited research about how drinking affects those of us taking Latuda, the available information paints an unsettling picture. Everyone will be affected by both lurasidone hydrochloride and alcohol differently; however, many trends have emerged.
Both alcohol and Latuda are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This means they suppress automatic functions like breathing and the beating of our heart. Combining these drugs multiplies their depressant effects, which increases our risk of respiratory depression: slow, shallow breathing that may stop entirely.
Although respiratory depression is the main factor behind many overdoses, taking too much Latuda can also trigger seizures, low blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat. These potentially fatal consequences should be top of mind when we think about drinking while on our antipsychotic. If you begin experiencing these symptoms, contact the poison control center at 800-222-1222 or call 911.
CNS depressants also affect our cognitive abilities. Mixing Latuda and alcohol may slow brain activity, increasing feelings of sedation and reducing our ability to make well-reasoned decisions. All told, CNS depressants can weaken our problem-solving skills, blunt our emotions, slow our processing speed, and impair our concentration. They might also increase our risk of delirium, leaving us dizzy and disoriented.
Orthostatic hypotension is an abrupt drop in blood pressure that happens when standing: if you’ve ever felt dizzy after suddenly changing positions, you’ve probably experienced it. As mentioned, Latuda can affect our blood pressure, which increases our chances of balance/stability-altering issues like orthostatic hypotension.
Even if we’ve taken Latuda for months or years, adding new substances to the mix can surprise us. Alcohol may enhance certain side effects of this drug, including confusion, nausea, and dizziness. As a result, tasks that aren’t usually difficult for us — like driving our car on familiar roadways or walking around the house — may become incredibly challenging, increasing our risk of accidents, falls, and other injury-causing incidents.
Fortunately, with some lifestyle changes and a dash of professional help, we can successfully avoid alcohol while taking Latuda. If you’re sober curious, consider trying one or more of these 10 actionable tips.
It will take some time and consistent effort, but applying any of these tips will be a step toward a healthier, happier life.
If your psychiatrist recommends Latuda, have an open and honest conversation with them about your lifestyle, including how much you drink. This medication can be incredibly effective for managing bipolar depression and schizophrenia, but its interaction with alcohol may pose a risk to your health and safety. Drinking while on Latuda can increase the risk of severe side effects, respiratory depression, and overdosing. However, for some of us, it’s the best medication for hallucinations, delusions, and depressive episodes.
If you’re ready to rethink your relationship with alcohol in preparation to start taking Latuda, Reframe can help. Our proven alcohol cessation app offers the support and scientific backing you need to make a sustainable, lasting change.
Sitting in your psychiatrist’s office, you may feel nervous about starting a new prescription. After all, there’s a learning curve with any medication, especially when you’re trying to manage conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. What can you do while taking these prescriptions? What should you avoid? Can you even drink alcohol anymore? Let’s explore Latuda, its side effects, and its contraindications.
Available under the generic name lurasidone hydrochloride, Latuda is a popular antipsychotic medication designed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It’s especially helpful for battling bouts of bipolar depression — the weeks-long lows you may experience from time to time.
Latuda works by blocking the action of certain dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. This balances the levels of these neurotransmitters. Reducing excess dopamine alleviates psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, while enhancing serotonin activity regulates our mood. Additionally, blocking certain serotonin receptors improves cognition and reduces psychosis.
To summarize: by altering our serotonin and dopamine levels, Latuda (lurasidone) acts as an antidepressant and antipsychotic.
Unlike many antipsychotics, Latuda leaves most other receptors alone, meaning that we’re a bit less likely to experience serious complications like cognitive impairment, weight gain, and oversedation. However, we may still experience side effects after starting this medication:
Latuda side effects: long-term, they vary from person to person. We might observe instances of involuntary movement (tardive dyskinesia) and metabolic change. Discontinuing the medication may result in Latuda withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and dizziness. We shouldn’t try to stop taking the drug on our own — instead, it’s best to seek medical advice before making any changes.
Some side effects are a warning sign that something is very wrong. High blood sugar can be a major concern, especially for those of us with diabetes. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include confusion, frequent urination, excessive hunger or thirst, nausea, weakness, and fruit-scented breath. If your blood sugar levels seem to change after starting Latuda, or if you begin to have thoughts of suicide, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Whenever we start a new medication, it’s important to be aware of how it will interact with other substances we eat or use. Antibiotics, antifungals, herbs (especially cannabis and St. John’s Wort), and even grapefruit can influence the effects of lurasidone hydrochloride. To prevent any problems, tell your doctor about all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are currently taking.
It’s also important to be aware of how lifestyle choices will interact with Latuda. For example, since Latuda reduces our ability to regulate our body temperature, we should avoid dehydration, heavy exercise, and prolonged sun exposure to avoid overheating.
Drinking on lurasidone hydrochloride can also be a bad idea. Let’s explore the relationship between Latuda and alcohol, how these substances interact with one another, and the potential risks of combining them.
First, we need to consider the conditions Latuda is prescribed for and how alcohol can impact them. Those of us with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may be more likely to drink heavily than the general population, which places us at increased risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Alcohol is the most misused substance among people diagnosed with schizophrenia. In fact, an estimated 24% to 36% of those diagnosed with schizophrenia have struggled with alcohol use disorder. The numbers are similar in the bipolar population — over 46% of those with bipolar disorder meet the criteria for AUD.
Ongoing alcohol misuse can worsen the symptoms of people with schizophrenia, placing us at increased risk of depression, suicidality, aggression, and acts of violence. Additionally, it heightens the likelihood of medication nonadherence, meaning that we probably won’t take our antipsychotics on time. This reduces the efficacy of our meds and may cause a resurgence of delusions or visual and auditory hallucinations.
If we’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, especially if we have hallmarks of treatment-resistant bipolar, we should be mindful of our alcohol use. Research shows that AUD exposes those of us with this condition to risks like rapid cycling, mixed mania, frequent hospitalizations, and slower recovery from our symptoms.
Now that we understand how drinking can impact our underlying conditions, let’s explore the interaction of alcohol and Latuda.
While there is limited research about how drinking affects those of us taking Latuda, the available information paints an unsettling picture. Everyone will be affected by both lurasidone hydrochloride and alcohol differently; however, many trends have emerged.
Both alcohol and Latuda are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This means they suppress automatic functions like breathing and the beating of our heart. Combining these drugs multiplies their depressant effects, which increases our risk of respiratory depression: slow, shallow breathing that may stop entirely.
Although respiratory depression is the main factor behind many overdoses, taking too much Latuda can also trigger seizures, low blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat. These potentially fatal consequences should be top of mind when we think about drinking while on our antipsychotic. If you begin experiencing these symptoms, contact the poison control center at 800-222-1222 or call 911.
CNS depressants also affect our cognitive abilities. Mixing Latuda and alcohol may slow brain activity, increasing feelings of sedation and reducing our ability to make well-reasoned decisions. All told, CNS depressants can weaken our problem-solving skills, blunt our emotions, slow our processing speed, and impair our concentration. They might also increase our risk of delirium, leaving us dizzy and disoriented.
Orthostatic hypotension is an abrupt drop in blood pressure that happens when standing: if you’ve ever felt dizzy after suddenly changing positions, you’ve probably experienced it. As mentioned, Latuda can affect our blood pressure, which increases our chances of balance/stability-altering issues like orthostatic hypotension.
Even if we’ve taken Latuda for months or years, adding new substances to the mix can surprise us. Alcohol may enhance certain side effects of this drug, including confusion, nausea, and dizziness. As a result, tasks that aren’t usually difficult for us — like driving our car on familiar roadways or walking around the house — may become incredibly challenging, increasing our risk of accidents, falls, and other injury-causing incidents.
Fortunately, with some lifestyle changes and a dash of professional help, we can successfully avoid alcohol while taking Latuda. If you’re sober curious, consider trying one or more of these 10 actionable tips.
It will take some time and consistent effort, but applying any of these tips will be a step toward a healthier, happier life.
If your psychiatrist recommends Latuda, have an open and honest conversation with them about your lifestyle, including how much you drink. This medication can be incredibly effective for managing bipolar depression and schizophrenia, but its interaction with alcohol may pose a risk to your health and safety. Drinking while on Latuda can increase the risk of severe side effects, respiratory depression, and overdosing. However, for some of us, it’s the best medication for hallucinations, delusions, and depressive episodes.
If you’re ready to rethink your relationship with alcohol in preparation to start taking Latuda, Reframe can help. Our proven alcohol cessation app offers the support and scientific backing you need to make a sustainable, lasting change.
Gilbert’s syndrome and alcohol may not be a good mix. Drinking with this disorder may cause jaundice; if we’re okay with that, we can enjoy an occasional cocktail.
If you want to better manage Gilbert’s syndrome, cutting back on alcohol can help. Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
It’s a new spring day! You feel a little groggy after the time change, but you’re excited to spend some time in the sunshine. You bounce out of bed and barrel into the bathroom.
As you brush your teeth, you catch a glimpse of your face in the mirror. Something’s… off.
There’s a sickly, yellowish tint to your skin! You lean closer and see that it’s even creeping into the whites of your eyes. Why is this happening?! Is this jaundice? Isn’t that something that happens only to babies?
You’re not the only one to have this experience. Every day, people well into their late teens, twenties, and thirties realize they have Gilbert’s syndrome. Let’s break down this common genetic condition, how we can avoid jaundice flare-ups, and which lifestyle choices we’ll need to make.
Gilbert’s syndrome is a disorder that disrupts our body’s ability to process bilirubin — an orange-yellow byproduct of broken-down blood cells. It’s also known as constitutional liver dysfunction, Meulengracht syndrome, Gilbert-Lereboullet syndrome, and familial nonhemolytic jaundice (whew!).
To understand this genetic disorder, we can think of our liver as a janitorial service full of workers (enzymes). As red blood cells age and die, producing bilirubin, the staff should be serving as a cleanup crew, making the waste water-soluble and getting rid of it.
Most people’s livers are fully staffed. However, in those of us with Gilbert’s syndrome, most of our employees are standing around instead of working through their bilirubin to-dos. We operate at about 30% capacity.
This difference can be attributed to changes in the UGT1A1 gene, which is supposed to signal each of those enzymes to take part in bilirubin breakdown. Its malfunction means that our bodies may have a buildup of this substance, putting us at risk of hyperbilirubinemia — elevated blood levels of bilirubin. You’ll probably know that condition by its common name: jaundice.
While most genetic disorders are rare, Gilbert’s syndrome is actually pretty common. It affects between 4% and 16% of people. However, thanks to its lack of obvious symptoms, many cases of Gilbert’s syndrome go undetected.
In most of us, Gilbert’s syndrome is so mild that we may not even realize we have it. Around 30% of people exhibit no outward signs at all, making this an asymptomatic condition.
Those of us who do present with symptoms may only notice one — a very slight yellowing of our skin, eye whites, and mucus membranes. That’s jaundice — it doesn’t only occur in babies! For those of us with darker skin tones, it may primarily manifest as a yellowing in the whites of our eyes. In folks with bilirubinemia, episodes of jaundice may be triggered by environmental changes. We’ll dive into those in a bit.
Some people with Gilbert’s syndrome have described symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea. Researchers believe that these experiences may be better associated with anxiety about the condition than excess bilirubin levels.
The first step to living with Gilbert’s syndrome is to get a diagnosis. This can be challenging in part because of the disorder’s characteristic fluctuations — how can a doctor observe elevated bilirubin levels if they’re always changing? Healthcare professionals may use multiple blood tests, ultrasounds, and even genetic testing to determine whether we have this condition.
Once we know what we’re dealing with, we can make a plan to manage our symptoms. We’ll want to give our body all the nutrients it needs to successfully compensate for wonky bilirubin levels. That means prioritizing hydration, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
Our doctor will also tell us about stressors that can trigger a rise in unconjugated bilirubin, which may manifest as jaundice. There are quite a few:
Drinking with Gilbert’s syndrome is technically safe, but it may lead to unwanted side effects.
Short-term alcohol use with Gilbert’s syndrome may aggravate jaundice, but according to researchers, it doesn’t have many other concerning consequences. To quote an article published in The International Journal of Pharmacology, “There are no specific dietary restrictions/additions for GS, and alcohol can be consumed within the discretionary limits.”
In the long term, combining alcohol and Gilbert’s syndrome isn’t the best idea. If we develop alcohol use disorder (AUD), we may damage our liver, which is already having a hard time processing bilirubin. Further organ damage in the form of cirrhosis (extensive scarring) can impact liver function. This dramatically increases our risk of jaundice, which may also become more severe as our condition worsens.
Interestingly, some people with this disorder report strange symptoms related to the combination of alcohol and Gilbert’s syndrome. Let’s explore these anecdotal issues.
Whenever we discuss Gilbert’s syndrome, alcohol tolerance comes up. Many people with the condition have reported unusual side effects related to drinking, including a lower tolerance level. They may feel drunk more quickly and after consuming less alcohol than their peers. Whether this is related to individual differences or a genetic predisposition remains to be seen. While there isn’t much scientific documentation of this phenomenon, it’s a tale we’ll probably hear from our friends who have also been diagnosed with Gilbert’s syndrome.
After a night on the town, some sufferers report severe hangover symptoms like nausea, headaches, and stomach cramps lasting for days at a time — even if they used to drink more heavily. These stories may be explained by the way our body handles alcohol as we age. When we get older, our metabolism slows, and our liver becomes less efficient. We’re also less resilient than we used to be. All of those factors keep alcohol in our system longer, leaving us to feel its effects for more time than we’d like.
Fortunately, Gilbert’s syndrome is considered a benign disease by most healthcare experts. This means that beyond making a few lifestyle changes, we don’t need to do much to manage it.
Most health advice related to this disorder centers around preventing episodes of jaundice. While we can’t avoid triggers like menstruation or illness, in the future, we’ll want to steer clear of catalysts like dehydration, overexertion, and chronic stress. There are a few steps we might take to manage Gilbert’s syndrome and prevent jaundice:
If you’ve been diagnosed with Gilbert’s syndrome, you have options to keep jaundice at bay. Little modifications like doubling down on hydration, balancing your diet, and avoiding alcohol can protect your health and prevent bilirubin buildup.
Struggling to cut back on drinking? Consider downloading Reframe — a revolutionary habit-change app developed with the input of medical and mental health experts. Our all-in-one alcohol reduction platform has helped 91% of users note a substantial decrease in alcohol use within three months of starting the program. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play.
It’s a new spring day! You feel a little groggy after the time change, but you’re excited to spend some time in the sunshine. You bounce out of bed and barrel into the bathroom.
As you brush your teeth, you catch a glimpse of your face in the mirror. Something’s… off.
There’s a sickly, yellowish tint to your skin! You lean closer and see that it’s even creeping into the whites of your eyes. Why is this happening?! Is this jaundice? Isn’t that something that happens only to babies?
You’re not the only one to have this experience. Every day, people well into their late teens, twenties, and thirties realize they have Gilbert’s syndrome. Let’s break down this common genetic condition, how we can avoid jaundice flare-ups, and which lifestyle choices we’ll need to make.
Gilbert’s syndrome is a disorder that disrupts our body’s ability to process bilirubin — an orange-yellow byproduct of broken-down blood cells. It’s also known as constitutional liver dysfunction, Meulengracht syndrome, Gilbert-Lereboullet syndrome, and familial nonhemolytic jaundice (whew!).
To understand this genetic disorder, we can think of our liver as a janitorial service full of workers (enzymes). As red blood cells age and die, producing bilirubin, the staff should be serving as a cleanup crew, making the waste water-soluble and getting rid of it.
Most people’s livers are fully staffed. However, in those of us with Gilbert’s syndrome, most of our employees are standing around instead of working through their bilirubin to-dos. We operate at about 30% capacity.
This difference can be attributed to changes in the UGT1A1 gene, which is supposed to signal each of those enzymes to take part in bilirubin breakdown. Its malfunction means that our bodies may have a buildup of this substance, putting us at risk of hyperbilirubinemia — elevated blood levels of bilirubin. You’ll probably know that condition by its common name: jaundice.
While most genetic disorders are rare, Gilbert’s syndrome is actually pretty common. It affects between 4% and 16% of people. However, thanks to its lack of obvious symptoms, many cases of Gilbert’s syndrome go undetected.
In most of us, Gilbert’s syndrome is so mild that we may not even realize we have it. Around 30% of people exhibit no outward signs at all, making this an asymptomatic condition.
Those of us who do present with symptoms may only notice one — a very slight yellowing of our skin, eye whites, and mucus membranes. That’s jaundice — it doesn’t only occur in babies! For those of us with darker skin tones, it may primarily manifest as a yellowing in the whites of our eyes. In folks with bilirubinemia, episodes of jaundice may be triggered by environmental changes. We’ll dive into those in a bit.
Some people with Gilbert’s syndrome have described symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea. Researchers believe that these experiences may be better associated with anxiety about the condition than excess bilirubin levels.
The first step to living with Gilbert’s syndrome is to get a diagnosis. This can be challenging in part because of the disorder’s characteristic fluctuations — how can a doctor observe elevated bilirubin levels if they’re always changing? Healthcare professionals may use multiple blood tests, ultrasounds, and even genetic testing to determine whether we have this condition.
Once we know what we’re dealing with, we can make a plan to manage our symptoms. We’ll want to give our body all the nutrients it needs to successfully compensate for wonky bilirubin levels. That means prioritizing hydration, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
Our doctor will also tell us about stressors that can trigger a rise in unconjugated bilirubin, which may manifest as jaundice. There are quite a few:
Drinking with Gilbert’s syndrome is technically safe, but it may lead to unwanted side effects.
Short-term alcohol use with Gilbert’s syndrome may aggravate jaundice, but according to researchers, it doesn’t have many other concerning consequences. To quote an article published in The International Journal of Pharmacology, “There are no specific dietary restrictions/additions for GS, and alcohol can be consumed within the discretionary limits.”
In the long term, combining alcohol and Gilbert’s syndrome isn’t the best idea. If we develop alcohol use disorder (AUD), we may damage our liver, which is already having a hard time processing bilirubin. Further organ damage in the form of cirrhosis (extensive scarring) can impact liver function. This dramatically increases our risk of jaundice, which may also become more severe as our condition worsens.
Interestingly, some people with this disorder report strange symptoms related to the combination of alcohol and Gilbert’s syndrome. Let’s explore these anecdotal issues.
Whenever we discuss Gilbert’s syndrome, alcohol tolerance comes up. Many people with the condition have reported unusual side effects related to drinking, including a lower tolerance level. They may feel drunk more quickly and after consuming less alcohol than their peers. Whether this is related to individual differences or a genetic predisposition remains to be seen. While there isn’t much scientific documentation of this phenomenon, it’s a tale we’ll probably hear from our friends who have also been diagnosed with Gilbert’s syndrome.
After a night on the town, some sufferers report severe hangover symptoms like nausea, headaches, and stomach cramps lasting for days at a time — even if they used to drink more heavily. These stories may be explained by the way our body handles alcohol as we age. When we get older, our metabolism slows, and our liver becomes less efficient. We’re also less resilient than we used to be. All of those factors keep alcohol in our system longer, leaving us to feel its effects for more time than we’d like.
Fortunately, Gilbert’s syndrome is considered a benign disease by most healthcare experts. This means that beyond making a few lifestyle changes, we don’t need to do much to manage it.
Most health advice related to this disorder centers around preventing episodes of jaundice. While we can’t avoid triggers like menstruation or illness, in the future, we’ll want to steer clear of catalysts like dehydration, overexertion, and chronic stress. There are a few steps we might take to manage Gilbert’s syndrome and prevent jaundice:
If you’ve been diagnosed with Gilbert’s syndrome, you have options to keep jaundice at bay. Little modifications like doubling down on hydration, balancing your diet, and avoiding alcohol can protect your health and prevent bilirubin buildup.
Struggling to cut back on drinking? Consider downloading Reframe — a revolutionary habit-change app developed with the input of medical and mental health experts. Our all-in-one alcohol reduction platform has helped 91% of users note a substantial decrease in alcohol use within three months of starting the program. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play.
Alcohol thins our blood and does not directly cause blood clots. Drinking too much alcohol can increase the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Picture this: It's Friday evening, the workweek is finally winding down, and you're looking forward to kicking back with a refreshing drink in hand. But before you reach for a glass of your favorite beverage, have you ever wondered about the potential impact alcohol might have on your health?
In this article, we’ll explore the connection between alcohol consumption and blood clot formation. We will cover how blood clots form, how alcohol impacts our blood, and whether we should be drinking alcohol if we have a blood clot.
Blood clots are a group or mass of blood cells and other substances that form in our blood vessels. Usually, we get blood clots to protect us from bleeding out when we injure our blood vessels as from a cut or surgery. After the injury is healed, our body naturally dissolves the clots. Although usually helpful, sometimes our blood will clot when it is not needed, which can lead to dangerous outcomes.
We can get blood clots anywhere in our body. There are two main types of clots:
Blood clots can lead to life-threatening conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of blood clots differ based on their location. Let’s review some common types of blood clots and the associated symptoms:
If you notice any of these symptoms or think you might have a blood clot, seek immediate medical attention! Time is crucial when addressing blood clots; the sooner we seek help, the better.
There are certain conditions, both inherited and developed, that can increase our risk of developing blood clots. Let’s review a few inherited factors:
Even if we don’t inherit clotting conditions, other factors can increase our chances of throwing a clot:
Pairing risk factors with genetic conditions or having multiple risk factors can increase our chances of getting a blood clot.
In the short term, alcohol enters our bloodstream and raises our blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Short-term alcohol use can temporarily impact our blood:
Long-term alcohol use can permanently alter our blood:
Alcohol changes a lot about our bodies, including our blood. But does alcohol directly cause blood clots?
As we learned above, acute consumption of alcohol can thin our blood to the equivalent of taking a daily aspirin. With alcohol in our bloodstream, our platelets become less sticky, making the blood less likely to clot. While this seems like a good way to prevent clotting, it also puts us at risk of bleeding out if we get injured. If we are light to moderate drinkers, however, our blood goes back to normal after we stop drinking.
Long-term chronic alcohol use, on the other hand, can permanently thin our blood to dangerous levels. Having thin blood increases our chances of hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes are when blood leaks from a blood vessel or the blood vessel explodes. They can cause irreversible brain damage. A scientific review found that heavy drinkers are at greater risk for developing a hemorrhagic stroke.
Due to the array of other possible health issues, using alcohol as a blood thinner is not recommended. Instead, consult a medical professional if you are worried about blood clotting risk factors.
Drinking alcohol when we have a blood clot is risky and generally not recommended, especially if we take blood thinners — medications designed to thin our blood to prevent clots.
If we drink alcohol while on blood thinners, like Warfarin, we put ourselves at risk for excess bleeding in an accident, dangerous interactions with our medications, and/or excessive blood thinning.
If we drink in moderation (one drink or fewer per day), alcohol will not likely harm us, but it’s always a good idea to consult a medical provider first.
Preventing and managing alcohol-related blood clot risks involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and close monitoring. Here are some strategies:
By adopting these preventive measures and closely managing existing conditions, we can reduce our risk of alcohol-related blood clotting and promote overall cardiovascular health. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.
Picture this: It's Friday evening, the workweek is finally winding down, and you're looking forward to kicking back with a refreshing drink in hand. But before you reach for a glass of your favorite beverage, have you ever wondered about the potential impact alcohol might have on your health?
In this article, we’ll explore the connection between alcohol consumption and blood clot formation. We will cover how blood clots form, how alcohol impacts our blood, and whether we should be drinking alcohol if we have a blood clot.
Blood clots are a group or mass of blood cells and other substances that form in our blood vessels. Usually, we get blood clots to protect us from bleeding out when we injure our blood vessels as from a cut or surgery. After the injury is healed, our body naturally dissolves the clots. Although usually helpful, sometimes our blood will clot when it is not needed, which can lead to dangerous outcomes.
We can get blood clots anywhere in our body. There are two main types of clots:
Blood clots can lead to life-threatening conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of blood clots differ based on their location. Let’s review some common types of blood clots and the associated symptoms:
If you notice any of these symptoms or think you might have a blood clot, seek immediate medical attention! Time is crucial when addressing blood clots; the sooner we seek help, the better.
There are certain conditions, both inherited and developed, that can increase our risk of developing blood clots. Let’s review a few inherited factors:
Even if we don’t inherit clotting conditions, other factors can increase our chances of throwing a clot:
Pairing risk factors with genetic conditions or having multiple risk factors can increase our chances of getting a blood clot.
In the short term, alcohol enters our bloodstream and raises our blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Short-term alcohol use can temporarily impact our blood:
Long-term alcohol use can permanently alter our blood:
Alcohol changes a lot about our bodies, including our blood. But does alcohol directly cause blood clots?
As we learned above, acute consumption of alcohol can thin our blood to the equivalent of taking a daily aspirin. With alcohol in our bloodstream, our platelets become less sticky, making the blood less likely to clot. While this seems like a good way to prevent clotting, it also puts us at risk of bleeding out if we get injured. If we are light to moderate drinkers, however, our blood goes back to normal after we stop drinking.
Long-term chronic alcohol use, on the other hand, can permanently thin our blood to dangerous levels. Having thin blood increases our chances of hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes are when blood leaks from a blood vessel or the blood vessel explodes. They can cause irreversible brain damage. A scientific review found that heavy drinkers are at greater risk for developing a hemorrhagic stroke.
Due to the array of other possible health issues, using alcohol as a blood thinner is not recommended. Instead, consult a medical professional if you are worried about blood clotting risk factors.
Drinking alcohol when we have a blood clot is risky and generally not recommended, especially if we take blood thinners — medications designed to thin our blood to prevent clots.
If we drink alcohol while on blood thinners, like Warfarin, we put ourselves at risk for excess bleeding in an accident, dangerous interactions with our medications, and/or excessive blood thinning.
If we drink in moderation (one drink or fewer per day), alcohol will not likely harm us, but it’s always a good idea to consult a medical provider first.
Preventing and managing alcohol-related blood clot risks involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and close monitoring. Here are some strategies:
By adopting these preventive measures and closely managing existing conditions, we can reduce our risk of alcohol-related blood clotting and promote overall cardiovascular health. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows the activity of our brain and spinal cord. Alcohol induces changes in our brain chemistry and structure.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Slurred speech. Stumbling steps. Embarrassing ourselves in public. Everyone knows what happens when someone has a few too many drinks. But have you ever wondered what really goes on in your brain when you drink? If so, buckle up for a Magic School Bus-style ride into our central nervous system.
We will learn all about our central nervous system, how alcohol impacts it, and ways we can set ourselves up for a healthy brain!
The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for coordinating and processing sensory information, initiating voluntary and involuntary movements, and regulating body functions. It is made up of our brain and spinal cord, which each have distinct and vital functions.
Our brain is our command center and controls all of our body's actions and activities. The brain is made up of neurons or the cells in our brain that facilitate communication and allow us to do everything from thinking and perceiving to sensing and breathing.
Our spinal cord is a cylinder structure that runs from the brainstem to our lower back through our vertebral column (spine). Without the spine or bone protecting the spinal cord, it is very delicate as it contains bundles of nerve fibers. These nerves carry messages to and from our brain to the rest of our body or the peripheral nervous system. The spinal cord also facilitates reflex actions, which are rapid responses to stimuli that bypass the brain for quicker reactions.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in our CNS that neurons use to communicate with each other. In our CNS, there are tiny gaps between our neurons called synapses. Essentially, neurotransmitters carry messages in the synapse from one neuron to another. Once in the synapse, neurotransmitters find their way to proteins on other neurons called receptors, which they bind to and trigger changes in the receiving cell.
The main neurotransmitters include glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine.
Through the brain, spinal cord, and neurotransmitters, our CNS controls and coordinates all of our body functions and ensures we survive or adapt to our environment.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the CNS. As we learned above, alcohol affects almost all of our neurotransmitters, but alcohol’s depressing effects come from the increase in GABA. Let’s break down a little more about how alcohol can impact our brain and spinal cord.
Alcohol can impact our brain in many ways, mostly by slowing it down. In our brain, alcohol changes our neurotransmitters, which then change the way we act. Additionally, long-term alcohol use can make more permanent changes, such as altering our brain receptors and shifting some of our brain structures (more on that later!).
It’s not discussed as often, but alcohol can also impact our spinal cord in several ways:
Alcohol consumption can have a range of negative effects on spinal cord function, from acute impairment of motor skills to long-term damage and increased risk of injury.
Every movement we make requires many neurons and neurotransmitters. Taking a single step, for example, requires dopamine, acetylcholine, glutamate, and GABA. Together, these neurotransmitters signal between neurons to help us move. As alcohol can impact all of these neurotransmitters, we can see how intoxication disrupts our movement and coordination.
Because each neurotransmitter plays a different role, each one is impacted differently by alcohol:
Not only does it take multiple neurotransmitters to complete an action, but our neurotransmitters also rely on each other to maintain safe levels. For instance, GABA helps regulate how much glutamate is in our system because too much glutamate can be harmful to our neurons. This is known as the homeostasis of our neurotransmitter system. Alcohol interferes with this delicate balance, both in the short term and long term.
Long-term alcohol use can impact the CNS in many ways. Let’s review some of the most profound ways alcohol can make long-term changes to our CNS:
The changes in our neurotransmitters and brain structures contribute to the behavioral alterations with long-term alcohol use. These changes in the CNS make the cycle of alcohol misuse hard to break.
Alcohol use can disrupt our CNS. The good news: there are ways we can help nourish our CNS! Let’s go through some strategies for promoting a healthy CNS:
Taking care of your brain is essential to CNS and overall health. The better you take care of your CNS, the better it will take care of you.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol changes our brain chemistry and structure, which causes behavior changes, both short term and long term. When we cut back or quit alcohol, our brain will start to recover from the long-term effects of alcohol.
Slurred speech. Stumbling steps. Embarrassing ourselves in public. Everyone knows what happens when someone has a few too many drinks. But have you ever wondered what really goes on in your brain when you drink? If so, buckle up for a Magic School Bus-style ride into our central nervous system.
We will learn all about our central nervous system, how alcohol impacts it, and ways we can set ourselves up for a healthy brain!
The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for coordinating and processing sensory information, initiating voluntary and involuntary movements, and regulating body functions. It is made up of our brain and spinal cord, which each have distinct and vital functions.
Our brain is our command center and controls all of our body's actions and activities. The brain is made up of neurons or the cells in our brain that facilitate communication and allow us to do everything from thinking and perceiving to sensing and breathing.
Our spinal cord is a cylinder structure that runs from the brainstem to our lower back through our vertebral column (spine). Without the spine or bone protecting the spinal cord, it is very delicate as it contains bundles of nerve fibers. These nerves carry messages to and from our brain to the rest of our body or the peripheral nervous system. The spinal cord also facilitates reflex actions, which are rapid responses to stimuli that bypass the brain for quicker reactions.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in our CNS that neurons use to communicate with each other. In our CNS, there are tiny gaps between our neurons called synapses. Essentially, neurotransmitters carry messages in the synapse from one neuron to another. Once in the synapse, neurotransmitters find their way to proteins on other neurons called receptors, which they bind to and trigger changes in the receiving cell.
The main neurotransmitters include glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine.
Through the brain, spinal cord, and neurotransmitters, our CNS controls and coordinates all of our body functions and ensures we survive or adapt to our environment.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the CNS. As we learned above, alcohol affects almost all of our neurotransmitters, but alcohol’s depressing effects come from the increase in GABA. Let’s break down a little more about how alcohol can impact our brain and spinal cord.
Alcohol can impact our brain in many ways, mostly by slowing it down. In our brain, alcohol changes our neurotransmitters, which then change the way we act. Additionally, long-term alcohol use can make more permanent changes, such as altering our brain receptors and shifting some of our brain structures (more on that later!).
It’s not discussed as often, but alcohol can also impact our spinal cord in several ways:
Alcohol consumption can have a range of negative effects on spinal cord function, from acute impairment of motor skills to long-term damage and increased risk of injury.
Every movement we make requires many neurons and neurotransmitters. Taking a single step, for example, requires dopamine, acetylcholine, glutamate, and GABA. Together, these neurotransmitters signal between neurons to help us move. As alcohol can impact all of these neurotransmitters, we can see how intoxication disrupts our movement and coordination.
Because each neurotransmitter plays a different role, each one is impacted differently by alcohol:
Not only does it take multiple neurotransmitters to complete an action, but our neurotransmitters also rely on each other to maintain safe levels. For instance, GABA helps regulate how much glutamate is in our system because too much glutamate can be harmful to our neurons. This is known as the homeostasis of our neurotransmitter system. Alcohol interferes with this delicate balance, both in the short term and long term.
Long-term alcohol use can impact the CNS in many ways. Let’s review some of the most profound ways alcohol can make long-term changes to our CNS:
The changes in our neurotransmitters and brain structures contribute to the behavioral alterations with long-term alcohol use. These changes in the CNS make the cycle of alcohol misuse hard to break.
Alcohol use can disrupt our CNS. The good news: there are ways we can help nourish our CNS! Let’s go through some strategies for promoting a healthy CNS:
Taking care of your brain is essential to CNS and overall health. The better you take care of your CNS, the better it will take care of you.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol changes our brain chemistry and structure, which causes behavior changes, both short term and long term. When we cut back or quit alcohol, our brain will start to recover from the long-term effects of alcohol.
Getting sober isn’t always as simple as “stop drinking.” If we’re not careful, we may develop a cross addiction. Click to learn the facts about transfer addiction.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
It’s been years since you’ve caught up with this friend, and as you sit across from them at dinner, you’re happy to see how much they’ve changed. The last time you spoke, they were struggling with a serious addiction to painkillers. Now they’re fresh out of rehab. You’re still laughing at one of their jokes when they flag down a server.
You’re surprised when they order a glass of wine — then another, and another. By the end of the meal, they’ve finished a bottle’s worth all by themselves. They never really drank before. Why would they start now?
Your friend might be experiencing a phenomenon called cross addiction. Let’s dive into this recovery obstacle, why it happens, and what we can do to stay on track.
Cross addiction, also called addiction transfer, transfer addiction, or addiction substitution, occurs after we’ve overcome one maladaptive behavior (such as substance misuse) and become reliant on a new substance or behavior.
For example, although our friend overcame their opioid use disorder, they subsequently became dependent on alcohol. To understand why this happens, we need to unpack how addiction impacts the brain.
Substance use disorder hijacks our reward system. Every time we consume an addictive substance, we experience a rush of dopamine — the chemical messenger associated with pleasure, learning, and motivation. In an attempt to reach equilibrium, the brain then slows its own dopamine production, expecting an artificial dosage through drug or alcohol use. These changes reinforce substance use, and, over time, our brain becomes dependent.
Even after we stop drinking or using drugs, we may crave that spike of feel-good neurotransmitters. A cross addiction develops when we replace our original addiction with a new source of dopamine. Sometimes, we begin using different substances. In most instances, however, we chase that high through physically or emotionally stimulating activities. These everyday dopamine-boosting behaviors can become compulsive and morph into behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions. Here are a few examples of common behaviors that can become compulsive:
This is just a small sample of potentially addictive actions, and addiction transfer isn’t always the cause. Some people engage in compulsive behaviors due to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). How do we know if we have a cross addiction or a dual diagnosis? Let’s read on to discover the difference.
Is “cross addiction” the same as “dual diagnosis”? we might wonder. The answer is no. Let’s compare the definitions to learn why.
Whereas addiction describes a mental and physical compulsion to perform a particular behavior such as substance use or gambling, dependence is a state of chemical and biological dependency on a substance. Cross dependence happens when we transfer one physical dependence to a new substance.
Substances produce chemical changes in our body, making them addictive. The physiological effects of withdrawal from substances can produce tangible symptoms such as sweating, fever, shakes, nausea, pain, and headaches. When overcoming addiction, the withdrawal period may be more a mental game, but that form of withdrawal is just as real and powerful as physical symptoms.
It’s possible to have an addiction and a dependency at the same time — in fact, many of us do. This adds another layer to the already complex process of maladaptive behaviors.
Now, let’s examine the factors that put us at risk for transfer behaviors that can fuel both addiction and dependence.
What makes us vulnerable to transfer addiction? A complex interplay of genetic vulnerabilities, mental health conditions, and social factors can potentially lead to new compulsions and affect our recovery.
If we identify with one or more of these points, how can we prevent cross addiction from progressing? Fortunately, developing an understanding of transfer addiction can protect us from unwanted compulsions in the future.
Often, cross addiction develops subtly. Consider the following example.
Imagine we’ve successfully overcome a reliance on opioid painkillers. Maybe we, like many people, also took those pills when we felt overwhelmed or stressed, which, come to think of it, we feel a lot now that we’re off our medication. Today, when we feel like we want to unwind, we decide to turn to a different substance instead. We pour a glass of wine. That works, so we decide that every time we really want to take an opioid, we’ll drink instead. In time, we may find ourselves dependent on alcohol. That’s cross addiction.
Why did we experience that addiction transfer? If you read the above paragraph carefully, you can spot some of the telltale signs:
1. We replaced painkillers with something similar.
First, we found a substitute for our previous addiction. By seeking out another substance that mimicked the effects of opioids, we found a way to relax and unwind. Just like opioid painkillers, alcohol is a depressant, and it affects the brain’s reward system in a similar way. We sought out a drug with a similar effect and have developed a similar dependence on it.
2. We used alcohol to cope.
Next, we used alcohol to control cravings, stress, and withdrawal symptoms. Many of us struggle to handle the physical and emotional challenges that come with recovery. We may not realize that the way we’re coping is unhealthy.
3. We didn’t address the root cause of our addiction.
Finally, we didn’t deal with the unresolved issues that contributed to our opioid use disorder. Why do we feel overwhelmed so often? What’s got us so stressed? Instead of digging into what upsets us, we’ve attempted to treat the symptoms — first with meds, then with booze.
But is there anything we can do to avoid this? Doesn’t this happen to everyone who gets sober?
While anyone can experience transfer addiction, it isn’t considered a normal part of the recovery process.
Recovery is more than just getting sober. In addition to stopping our alcohol use, we’ll need to make fundamental, lasting changes to our lifestyle, behaviors, and mindset. We might also seek professional help to address the issues behind our drinking. Without these reinforcements, we’ll be more vulnerable to future substance use disorders and process addictions.
If we build a solid foundation for our sobriety, however, we can successfully avoid cross addiction..
Putting down the booze is just the first step in our recovery journey. Once we quit drinking, we’ll need to avoid cross addiction by making sustainable, lasting changes. If you’re looking for direction in early recovery, we’ve put together eight tips just for you.
Let’s go back to that restaurant. Sitting across from your friend, you may have begun wondering about cross addictions of your own. Have you started smoking, shopping online, or doomscrolling after cutting back on alcohol? Are you worried about whether these behaviors are still within your control? If so, you may benefit from a sustainable alcohol cessation program — one rooted in scientific best practices.
Reframe offers the guidance you need to stop drinking (or drink less) while prioritizing your health and well-being. Our curriculum focuses on incremental, lasting change. We help you to unpack your relationship with alcohol while building safeguards against other potentially addictive behaviors. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play.
It’s been years since you’ve caught up with this friend, and as you sit across from them at dinner, you’re happy to see how much they’ve changed. The last time you spoke, they were struggling with a serious addiction to painkillers. Now they’re fresh out of rehab. You’re still laughing at one of their jokes when they flag down a server.
You’re surprised when they order a glass of wine — then another, and another. By the end of the meal, they’ve finished a bottle’s worth all by themselves. They never really drank before. Why would they start now?
Your friend might be experiencing a phenomenon called cross addiction. Let’s dive into this recovery obstacle, why it happens, and what we can do to stay on track.
Cross addiction, also called addiction transfer, transfer addiction, or addiction substitution, occurs after we’ve overcome one maladaptive behavior (such as substance misuse) and become reliant on a new substance or behavior.
For example, although our friend overcame their opioid use disorder, they subsequently became dependent on alcohol. To understand why this happens, we need to unpack how addiction impacts the brain.
Substance use disorder hijacks our reward system. Every time we consume an addictive substance, we experience a rush of dopamine — the chemical messenger associated with pleasure, learning, and motivation. In an attempt to reach equilibrium, the brain then slows its own dopamine production, expecting an artificial dosage through drug or alcohol use. These changes reinforce substance use, and, over time, our brain becomes dependent.
Even after we stop drinking or using drugs, we may crave that spike of feel-good neurotransmitters. A cross addiction develops when we replace our original addiction with a new source of dopamine. Sometimes, we begin using different substances. In most instances, however, we chase that high through physically or emotionally stimulating activities. These everyday dopamine-boosting behaviors can become compulsive and morph into behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions. Here are a few examples of common behaviors that can become compulsive:
This is just a small sample of potentially addictive actions, and addiction transfer isn’t always the cause. Some people engage in compulsive behaviors due to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). How do we know if we have a cross addiction or a dual diagnosis? Let’s read on to discover the difference.
Is “cross addiction” the same as “dual diagnosis”? we might wonder. The answer is no. Let’s compare the definitions to learn why.
Whereas addiction describes a mental and physical compulsion to perform a particular behavior such as substance use or gambling, dependence is a state of chemical and biological dependency on a substance. Cross dependence happens when we transfer one physical dependence to a new substance.
Substances produce chemical changes in our body, making them addictive. The physiological effects of withdrawal from substances can produce tangible symptoms such as sweating, fever, shakes, nausea, pain, and headaches. When overcoming addiction, the withdrawal period may be more a mental game, but that form of withdrawal is just as real and powerful as physical symptoms.
It’s possible to have an addiction and a dependency at the same time — in fact, many of us do. This adds another layer to the already complex process of maladaptive behaviors.
Now, let’s examine the factors that put us at risk for transfer behaviors that can fuel both addiction and dependence.
What makes us vulnerable to transfer addiction? A complex interplay of genetic vulnerabilities, mental health conditions, and social factors can potentially lead to new compulsions and affect our recovery.
If we identify with one or more of these points, how can we prevent cross addiction from progressing? Fortunately, developing an understanding of transfer addiction can protect us from unwanted compulsions in the future.
Often, cross addiction develops subtly. Consider the following example.
Imagine we’ve successfully overcome a reliance on opioid painkillers. Maybe we, like many people, also took those pills when we felt overwhelmed or stressed, which, come to think of it, we feel a lot now that we’re off our medication. Today, when we feel like we want to unwind, we decide to turn to a different substance instead. We pour a glass of wine. That works, so we decide that every time we really want to take an opioid, we’ll drink instead. In time, we may find ourselves dependent on alcohol. That’s cross addiction.
Why did we experience that addiction transfer? If you read the above paragraph carefully, you can spot some of the telltale signs:
1. We replaced painkillers with something similar.
First, we found a substitute for our previous addiction. By seeking out another substance that mimicked the effects of opioids, we found a way to relax and unwind. Just like opioid painkillers, alcohol is a depressant, and it affects the brain’s reward system in a similar way. We sought out a drug with a similar effect and have developed a similar dependence on it.
2. We used alcohol to cope.
Next, we used alcohol to control cravings, stress, and withdrawal symptoms. Many of us struggle to handle the physical and emotional challenges that come with recovery. We may not realize that the way we’re coping is unhealthy.
3. We didn’t address the root cause of our addiction.
Finally, we didn’t deal with the unresolved issues that contributed to our opioid use disorder. Why do we feel overwhelmed so often? What’s got us so stressed? Instead of digging into what upsets us, we’ve attempted to treat the symptoms — first with meds, then with booze.
But is there anything we can do to avoid this? Doesn’t this happen to everyone who gets sober?
While anyone can experience transfer addiction, it isn’t considered a normal part of the recovery process.
Recovery is more than just getting sober. In addition to stopping our alcohol use, we’ll need to make fundamental, lasting changes to our lifestyle, behaviors, and mindset. We might also seek professional help to address the issues behind our drinking. Without these reinforcements, we’ll be more vulnerable to future substance use disorders and process addictions.
If we build a solid foundation for our sobriety, however, we can successfully avoid cross addiction..
Putting down the booze is just the first step in our recovery journey. Once we quit drinking, we’ll need to avoid cross addiction by making sustainable, lasting changes. If you’re looking for direction in early recovery, we’ve put together eight tips just for you.
Let’s go back to that restaurant. Sitting across from your friend, you may have begun wondering about cross addictions of your own. Have you started smoking, shopping online, or doomscrolling after cutting back on alcohol? Are you worried about whether these behaviors are still within your control? If so, you may benefit from a sustainable alcohol cessation program — one rooted in scientific best practices.
Reframe offers the guidance you need to stop drinking (or drink less) while prioritizing your health and well-being. Our curriculum focuses on incremental, lasting change. We help you to unpack your relationship with alcohol while building safeguards against other potentially addictive behaviors. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play.
Recent studies report a connection between Long COVID and alcohol intolerance and hangovers. Learn more about how they may be interconnected in our latest blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we’ve been wishing for it to go away. Although developments have been made to lessen the detrimental effects the virus has on our health, long COVID continues to impact us in multifarious ways.
New research has suggested that long COVID may be linked to changes in alcohol tolerance and hangover symptoms. Could a lingering virus be the unsuspecting cause of alcohol intolerance and hangovers? Let’s take a closer look at the science that may help explain this phenomenon.
Long COVID is a condition marked by long-term symptoms and conditions that occur after the acute two-week period of a COVID-19 infection. The condition is more common in those of us who have had a severe COVID-19 infection or are not vaccinated. However, long COVID may affect anyone. Long COVID symptoms can be ongoing or intermittent and can go on for weeks, months, or years.
Symptoms vary greatly and continue to be recorded and researched. Due to the wide variation in experiences, symptoms are broken down into smaller categories:
Long COVID is associated with a wide range of symptoms; could it also affect our drinking experience?
Alcohol has acute and long-term effects on our health, which can directly intersect with COVID-19. While causes of long COVID remain inconclusive, Harvard researchers have found that lifestyle influences could affect the risk of developing long COVID. One of these influences is (drumroll, please) alcohol, but that street can go both ways.
Research done on post-COVID syndrome notes that poor mental health resulting from disabling post-COVID symptoms could lead to alcohol dependence. This suggests a reciprocal relationship between COVID and alcohol. On one hand, drinking alcohol could increase the risk of developing long COVID. Similarly, long COVID could prompt increased consumption of alcohol — creating a toxic cycle with serious impacts on our health.
In addition to an increased risk of developing long COVID and substance dependence, recent developments suggest a more surprising link between alcohol and long COVID. Anecdotal reports record a sudden onset of alcohol sensitivity and worse hangovers in long COVID patients. Could the virus be the cause?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a yes or no answer. Long COVID isn’t listed as a definitive cause of alcohol intolerance, although patients have reported symptoms indicative of intolerance. While more research is still needed, at least one peer-reviewed study concluded that long COVID has a causal link to increased alcohol intolerance.
The findings were limited to four patients who were treated at Stanford’s Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) Clinic. Through these case studies, the researchers concluded that long COVID has similar overlapping symptoms with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Similar mechanisms that cause intolerance in ME/CFS are used to explain experiences of long COVID:
While mechanisms of ME/CFS help explain the onset of alcohol intolerance in long COVID patients, additional research is needed. Along with sudden alcohol intolerance after COVID, anecdotal reports and the four individuals listed in the case study reported varied symptoms of alcohol hangovers.
Alcohol intolerance is typically an inherited metabolic disorder that is marked by a genetic mutation in the gene that helps us metabolize alcohol. Since those of us with alcohol intolerance are not able to efficiently break down the toxins in alcohol, they have the opportunity to cause greater harm to our body — leading to worse hangovers. Long COVID appears to heighten those impacts:
Aside from long COVID, other factors can also contribute to alcohol intolerance and hangovers.
COVID itself has caused devastating impacts on our public health.
Alcohol has also further complicated COVID-19. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), indirect impacts of COVID have also caused drastic increases in alcohol-related mortalities during peak COVID years.
Even though we’re supposedly past “peak COVID” years, alcohol-related deaths are on an upward trajectory. While alcohol intolerance and hangovers can often be brushed off as symptoms of drinking, it has greater impacts than we may realize.
The recent developments linking long COVID and alcohol intolerance don’t only serve as additional clarity on the condition. They also present a wake-up call for those of us who have had COVID in the past (or not) to be mindful of our drinking habits.
Many of us have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past. Is it still okay to drink? New studies confirming the link between long COVID and alcohol intolerance may suggest that quitting or cutting back on alcohol is the best course of action.
Research is still in its early stages regarding the causes of symptoms of long COVID, but alcohol has been studied for a long time and has conclusively negative health effects. If you choose to drink, the guidelines for moderate drinking will help you navigate a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Long COVID can be a difficult experience and condition to navigate. Alcohol only adds to that equation. Mindful drinking and intentional practices can help us prioritize our health:
Viruses can be frustrating and fickle, but the more we take care of our body, the better equipped it will be to fight them off.
Long COVID symptoms seem to include everything under the sun. Recent studies have added alcohol intolerance and exacerbated hangovers to that list. While these complications are frequently brushed off as side effects of drinking, the consequences urge us to proceed with caution. A horrible hangover, hives, and facial flushing — all symptoms of alcohol intolerance — serve as a big red warning sign that something is wrong.
Long COVID is still being studied, but what is conclusive is that drinking alcohol will do more harm than good.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we’ve been wishing for it to go away. Although developments have been made to lessen the detrimental effects the virus has on our health, long COVID continues to impact us in multifarious ways.
New research has suggested that long COVID may be linked to changes in alcohol tolerance and hangover symptoms. Could a lingering virus be the unsuspecting cause of alcohol intolerance and hangovers? Let’s take a closer look at the science that may help explain this phenomenon.
Long COVID is a condition marked by long-term symptoms and conditions that occur after the acute two-week period of a COVID-19 infection. The condition is more common in those of us who have had a severe COVID-19 infection or are not vaccinated. However, long COVID may affect anyone. Long COVID symptoms can be ongoing or intermittent and can go on for weeks, months, or years.
Symptoms vary greatly and continue to be recorded and researched. Due to the wide variation in experiences, symptoms are broken down into smaller categories:
Long COVID is associated with a wide range of symptoms; could it also affect our drinking experience?
Alcohol has acute and long-term effects on our health, which can directly intersect with COVID-19. While causes of long COVID remain inconclusive, Harvard researchers have found that lifestyle influences could affect the risk of developing long COVID. One of these influences is (drumroll, please) alcohol, but that street can go both ways.
Research done on post-COVID syndrome notes that poor mental health resulting from disabling post-COVID symptoms could lead to alcohol dependence. This suggests a reciprocal relationship between COVID and alcohol. On one hand, drinking alcohol could increase the risk of developing long COVID. Similarly, long COVID could prompt increased consumption of alcohol — creating a toxic cycle with serious impacts on our health.
In addition to an increased risk of developing long COVID and substance dependence, recent developments suggest a more surprising link between alcohol and long COVID. Anecdotal reports record a sudden onset of alcohol sensitivity and worse hangovers in long COVID patients. Could the virus be the cause?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a yes or no answer. Long COVID isn’t listed as a definitive cause of alcohol intolerance, although patients have reported symptoms indicative of intolerance. While more research is still needed, at least one peer-reviewed study concluded that long COVID has a causal link to increased alcohol intolerance.
The findings were limited to four patients who were treated at Stanford’s Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) Clinic. Through these case studies, the researchers concluded that long COVID has similar overlapping symptoms with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Similar mechanisms that cause intolerance in ME/CFS are used to explain experiences of long COVID:
While mechanisms of ME/CFS help explain the onset of alcohol intolerance in long COVID patients, additional research is needed. Along with sudden alcohol intolerance after COVID, anecdotal reports and the four individuals listed in the case study reported varied symptoms of alcohol hangovers.
Alcohol intolerance is typically an inherited metabolic disorder that is marked by a genetic mutation in the gene that helps us metabolize alcohol. Since those of us with alcohol intolerance are not able to efficiently break down the toxins in alcohol, they have the opportunity to cause greater harm to our body — leading to worse hangovers. Long COVID appears to heighten those impacts:
Aside from long COVID, other factors can also contribute to alcohol intolerance and hangovers.
COVID itself has caused devastating impacts on our public health.
Alcohol has also further complicated COVID-19. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), indirect impacts of COVID have also caused drastic increases in alcohol-related mortalities during peak COVID years.
Even though we’re supposedly past “peak COVID” years, alcohol-related deaths are on an upward trajectory. While alcohol intolerance and hangovers can often be brushed off as symptoms of drinking, it has greater impacts than we may realize.
The recent developments linking long COVID and alcohol intolerance don’t only serve as additional clarity on the condition. They also present a wake-up call for those of us who have had COVID in the past (or not) to be mindful of our drinking habits.
Many of us have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past. Is it still okay to drink? New studies confirming the link between long COVID and alcohol intolerance may suggest that quitting or cutting back on alcohol is the best course of action.
Research is still in its early stages regarding the causes of symptoms of long COVID, but alcohol has been studied for a long time and has conclusively negative health effects. If you choose to drink, the guidelines for moderate drinking will help you navigate a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Long COVID can be a difficult experience and condition to navigate. Alcohol only adds to that equation. Mindful drinking and intentional practices can help us prioritize our health:
Viruses can be frustrating and fickle, but the more we take care of our body, the better equipped it will be to fight them off.
Long COVID symptoms seem to include everything under the sun. Recent studies have added alcohol intolerance and exacerbated hangovers to that list. While these complications are frequently brushed off as side effects of drinking, the consequences urge us to proceed with caution. A horrible hangover, hives, and facial flushing — all symptoms of alcohol intolerance — serve as a big red warning sign that something is wrong.
Long COVID is still being studied, but what is conclusive is that drinking alcohol will do more harm than good.
Sugar alcohols are used as sweeteners that have fewer calories than sugar. Sugar alcohols do not contain ethanol so they are not the same as the alcohol we drink.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
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Do you ever catch yourself reading food labels and wondering what all those ingredients actually are? If you’re trying to cut out sugars from your diet, you’ll probably see a lot of “-itols” in the ingredients. But what the heck is xylitol? Is it something we should be eating?
In this blog, we will learn what sugar alcohols are, if they are safe to consume, some places we can commonly find them, and if they have anything to do with the alcohol that makes us drunk.
Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are sugar substitutes used to sweeten our food. Some sugar alcohols occur naturally in fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, blackberries, peaches, prunes, pineapples, olives, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Others are produced industrially. Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate, but they do not contain ethanol — the intoxicating ingredient that is in the alcohol we drink. We will touch more on this later.
Sugar alcohols have a distinctive, sweet taste but lack the dense calories that regular sugars contain. The food industry uses sugar alcohols as thickeners, sweeteners, and substitutes for table sugar or sucrose. Our small intestine only partially absorbs sugar alcohols, which means they have a lower impact on our blood sugar levels.
We can spot sugar alcohols in our foods by reading food labels. Let’s review some of the most common sugar alcohols and what foods we can typically find them in:
Other sugar alcohols we might find in our foods, medications, or dental products include hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, mannitol, and maltitol. Note that the list above is not exhaustive. Anyone concerned about sugar alcohols should consult a doctor or dietitian.
Now that we have the basic information on sugar alcohols, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Keep reading to learn if sugar alcohols are bad for us and what science suggests about them.
For the most part, sugar alcohols are safe to consume. As with any product we eat, the full impact of sugar alcohols varies based on factors of individual tolerance, the quantity we consume, and our overall diets. Sugar alcohols are safe to consume in moderation, but there are some potential reasons they are harmful to us:
Being mindful of the types and amounts of sugar alcohols we consume helps us avoid the negative effects. Consuming sugar alcohols in moderation is key to avoiding problems. Anyone concerned about a reaction to sugar alcohols should consult a healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian.
On the bright side, sugar alcohols have allowed for the creation of low-calorie and sugar-free options for those who need it. There are many positive aspects to sugar alcohols:
There are benefits to sugar alcohols, especially for cutting out traditional sugars, but are they a good option for those with diabetes?
Many sugar-free or low-carb products that use sugar alcohols as sweeteners are designed for people with diabetes. These products allow us to enjoy sweet flavors without the same impact on blood sugar levels, so yes — sugar alcohols are a safe option for those of us with diabetes!
Sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed in the small intestines and have a less significant effect on our blood glucose levels compared to regular sugar. This makes it easier to manage blood sugar levels if we have diabetes. Sugar alcohols do not require insulin to absorb them, unlike glucose, making them a more suitable option for those who needs to regulate insulin levels.
Sugar alcohols have their downsides. If we’re worried about the bad sides of sugar alcohols and want to avoid them, don’t worry. There are plenty of alternatives to sugar alcohol:
Nondiabetics worried about consuming artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes such as sugar alcohols can always stick with regular sugar.
While sugar alcohols are used to sweeten foods and may have some health benefits, they are unrelated to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and do not result in the same physiological and psychological effects associated with alcohol consumption. It's important to distinguish between these two categories of substances to avoid confusion.
The chemical structure of sugar alcohols is a hybrid between sugars (e.g., glucose or table sugar) and alcohols (e.g., ethanol). The alcohol we consume with the psychoactive effects is ethanol. Sugar alcohols differ from traditional sugars because they contain a functional alcohol group. An alcohol functional group, however, is not the same as the ethanol or the alcohol we drink because they are not the same chemical structures. Therefore, sugar alcohols do not have the same intoxicating properties as ethanol.
Sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners used in place of regular sugars. If we consume too much, they can cause digestive problems, but they are mostly okay for us to consume in moderation. There are benefits to sugar alcohols — better for our dental health, glucose levels, and blood sugar levels. Sugar alcohols do not contain ethanol or the psychoactive properties of the alcohol we typically drink.
Do you ever catch yourself reading food labels and wondering what all those ingredients actually are? If you’re trying to cut out sugars from your diet, you’ll probably see a lot of “-itols” in the ingredients. But what the heck is xylitol? Is it something we should be eating?
In this blog, we will learn what sugar alcohols are, if they are safe to consume, some places we can commonly find them, and if they have anything to do with the alcohol that makes us drunk.
Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are sugar substitutes used to sweeten our food. Some sugar alcohols occur naturally in fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, blackberries, peaches, prunes, pineapples, olives, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Others are produced industrially. Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate, but they do not contain ethanol — the intoxicating ingredient that is in the alcohol we drink. We will touch more on this later.
Sugar alcohols have a distinctive, sweet taste but lack the dense calories that regular sugars contain. The food industry uses sugar alcohols as thickeners, sweeteners, and substitutes for table sugar or sucrose. Our small intestine only partially absorbs sugar alcohols, which means they have a lower impact on our blood sugar levels.
We can spot sugar alcohols in our foods by reading food labels. Let’s review some of the most common sugar alcohols and what foods we can typically find them in:
Other sugar alcohols we might find in our foods, medications, or dental products include hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, mannitol, and maltitol. Note that the list above is not exhaustive. Anyone concerned about sugar alcohols should consult a doctor or dietitian.
Now that we have the basic information on sugar alcohols, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Keep reading to learn if sugar alcohols are bad for us and what science suggests about them.
For the most part, sugar alcohols are safe to consume. As with any product we eat, the full impact of sugar alcohols varies based on factors of individual tolerance, the quantity we consume, and our overall diets. Sugar alcohols are safe to consume in moderation, but there are some potential reasons they are harmful to us:
Being mindful of the types and amounts of sugar alcohols we consume helps us avoid the negative effects. Consuming sugar alcohols in moderation is key to avoiding problems. Anyone concerned about a reaction to sugar alcohols should consult a healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian.
On the bright side, sugar alcohols have allowed for the creation of low-calorie and sugar-free options for those who need it. There are many positive aspects to sugar alcohols:
There are benefits to sugar alcohols, especially for cutting out traditional sugars, but are they a good option for those with diabetes?
Many sugar-free or low-carb products that use sugar alcohols as sweeteners are designed for people with diabetes. These products allow us to enjoy sweet flavors without the same impact on blood sugar levels, so yes — sugar alcohols are a safe option for those of us with diabetes!
Sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed in the small intestines and have a less significant effect on our blood glucose levels compared to regular sugar. This makes it easier to manage blood sugar levels if we have diabetes. Sugar alcohols do not require insulin to absorb them, unlike glucose, making them a more suitable option for those who needs to regulate insulin levels.
Sugar alcohols have their downsides. If we’re worried about the bad sides of sugar alcohols and want to avoid them, don’t worry. There are plenty of alternatives to sugar alcohol:
Nondiabetics worried about consuming artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes such as sugar alcohols can always stick with regular sugar.
While sugar alcohols are used to sweeten foods and may have some health benefits, they are unrelated to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and do not result in the same physiological and psychological effects associated with alcohol consumption. It's important to distinguish between these two categories of substances to avoid confusion.
The chemical structure of sugar alcohols is a hybrid between sugars (e.g., glucose or table sugar) and alcohols (e.g., ethanol). The alcohol we consume with the psychoactive effects is ethanol. Sugar alcohols differ from traditional sugars because they contain a functional alcohol group. An alcohol functional group, however, is not the same as the ethanol or the alcohol we drink because they are not the same chemical structures. Therefore, sugar alcohols do not have the same intoxicating properties as ethanol.
Sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners used in place of regular sugars. If we consume too much, they can cause digestive problems, but they are mostly okay for us to consume in moderation. There are benefits to sugar alcohols — better for our dental health, glucose levels, and blood sugar levels. Sugar alcohols do not contain ethanol or the psychoactive properties of the alcohol we typically drink.
