Clearing Brain Fog

Addiction and alcoholism can result in short-term and long-term brain changes that result in brain fog.

Alcoholism brain fog and opioid brain fog are the most common cognitive challenges associated with prolonged substance abuse, but you can clear the fog after getting sober. Our center for drug addiction treatment in Gilman shares tips for clearing your brain fog.

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is a term used to identify an entire set of challenges that make it feel like you’re stuck in a fog. Some illnesses are associated with brain fog, but it’s also associated with challenges like addiction and alcoholism. Symptoms of brain fog include:

• Difficulty with thinking clearly
• Confusion
• Difficulty focusing
• Memory problems, especially short-term
• Low energy/exhaustion
• Challenges with communication

It’s important to realize that brain fog is not a medical condition, but rather, a collection of symptoms associated with other medical problems. Still, brain fog can be a challenging problem that requires a solutions-focused approach for improvement in symptoms. Nobody wants to struggle with the confusion of brain fog, and sobriety is the first step in reducing the symptoms of this problem.

Treating Alcoholism Brain Fog

Though alcoholism brain fog can happen, it doesn’t have to stay foggy forever. One study found that the alcoholic brain fog clears with long-term sobriety, with considerable reduction in symptoms of brain fog starting 6 months after the last drink.¹ Recovering alcoholics can improve their cognition and battle brain fog with brain games and therapies specific for their challenges.

Treating Opioid Brain Fog

Opioid brain fog is often associated with the drug itself, many brain fog symptoms are actually side effects of opioid painkillers.² Getting sober and ending ingestion of these drugs will help reduce the brain fog. Additional support includes therapies and mental health support if the fog persists.

Tips for Fighting Brain Fog

Fighting brain fog starts with getting sober. Many patients find that they’re feeling considerably better, with sharper mental responses, after finishing medically monitored detox in Illinois. If brain fog still persists after getting sober and well into your long-term sobriety, you can consider exercises for fighting brain fog:

• Stick to regular sleep patterns
• Identify brain fog problem times and take breaks at these times
• Identify and treat any mental health problems
• Choose healthier foods

If you or a loved one needs help overcoming alcoholism or opioid addiction, contact our team at Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland to learn how we can help. Call 888-280-4763.

Sources:

1. CDC – Notes from the Field: Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths with Kratom Detected — 27 States, July 2016–December 2017
2. WebMD – Fog of Alcoholism Clears With Sobriety
3. PPM – Tackling Brain Fog