Believe it or not, sugar is more addictive than opioids such as cocaine. Refined sugar can cause people to undergo negative symptoms like depression. Cutting sugar cold turkey may cause the brain to function differently due to drug-like effects. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, studies on rats showed that the similarities between eating sugar inflict drug side effects like severe cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and dependency. Let’s discuss the seriousness of sugar vs. cocaine since many health risks are involved.
Is Sugar a Drug?
Sugar has drug-like effects, and dopamine plays a significant role in addiction. Neurotransmitters in the brain activate a happy chemical or the reward circuit, which activates pleasure and represents a high or feeling of delight. Sugar activates the opioid receptors in the brain, leading to compulsive behavior and addiction. Sugar tastes delicious! It’s hard to say no to chocolate and other sweets, even if there are adverse health complications like hormonal imbalance and headaches. So, you could conclude that sugar is similar to drugs when shown these effects.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Sugar Addiction
When someone cuts sugar out of their diet, then adverse mental and physical side effects can occur. Besides depressive episodes or mood swings, a person may feel other symptoms that will be painful during detox. Here are other symptoms of sugar addiction:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Cognitive decline
- Difficulty concentrating
- Moderate to severe anxiety
- Change in sleeping patterns
- Intense cravings for sugar or other foods like carbs
If you are having a hard time cutting back on sugar intake, start by reading labels. Then, choose unsweetened snacks or swap sugary snacks for healthy alternatives like grapes, cherries, or other fruits or vegetables. Focusing on a healthy diet can help balance out hormones, your gut flora (healthy bacteria in your digestive tract,) and brain functioning. Increasing dopamine in your brain by eating healthy foods is a natural way to positively fuel your body.
Is Sugar More Addictive Than Cocaine?
How addictive is sugar? Sugar is more addictive than cocaine, which can be a scary thought since nearly everyone enjoys eating sugary foods. You would think that sugar isn’t as addictive as cocaine, seeing as it’s in almost every item at the store. Sugar is easily accessible, and it’s common to crave refined sugar. Sugar vs. cocaine addiction depends on the person and if they have tried the pain-relieving drug. Why is cocaine so addictive? A person can get addicted to cocaine since, like sugar, it spikes dopamine levels in the brain. It’s natural for humans to want to experience joy, pleasure, and to feel good about themselves. Cocaine and sugar act as the trophy for people seeking to feel positive.
Addiction Treatment at Our Miramar Wellness Center
At Evoke Wellness, our cocaine addiction treatment is available for those who are showing signs of addiction or expressing negative side effects. Our medical drug detox is a successful method to safely go through the addiction withdrawal process. It’s important for you or a loved one who is struggling with addiction to seek professional help to return back to living a productive and fulfilling life. We offer family programs and other unique services to help patients receive the treatment they need to recover. Contact a specialist at Evoke Wellness by calling 833-819-6066 and asking about our residential rehab program to get started today! Related Readings: How to Stop Craving DrugsHealth Effects of Cocaine on the Body
