Drug addiction and alcoholism can result in short-term and long-term brain changes, one of them being brain fog. Alcohol 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 Heartland treatment center is sharing some tips on how to clear brain fog that can help.
What Is Brain Fog?
Brain fog isn’t a medical condition but rather a term used to identify an entire set of symptoms that affect your ability to think. Brain fog can make you feel confused or disoriented, making it difficult to focus, put your thoughts into words, and stay organized.
Common symptoms of brain fog include:
- Difficulty with thinking clearly
- Confusion
- Difficulty focusing
- Memory problems, especially short-term
- Low energy/exhaustion
- Challenges with communication
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Forgetting about a task that had to be completed
- Struggling to string words together
- Feeling frequently distracted
- Feeling tired when working
It’s important to realize that brain fog itself is not a medical condition but rather a symptom of certain conditions. 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.
Alcohol Brain Fog
Alcoholic brain fog occurs during or after someone develops alcoholism. Someone may also experience brain fog as a result of a previous ailment. However, it doesn’t have to stay foggy forever. One study found that clearing brain fog after drinking is possible with long-term sobriety, with a considerable reduction in symptoms of brain fog starting 6 months after the last drink. Recovering alcoholics can improve their cognition and battle brain fog with brain games and therapies specific to their challenges.
Our Heartland recovery center offers alcohol detox and addiction treatment that can help you or a loved one recover from the aftermath of heavy drinking, including brain fog. We can help through every step of the recovery process, from withdrawal symptoms to transitioning to an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Easy Ways to Clear Brain Fog
Fighting brain fog starts with getting sober. Many patients find that they’re feeling considerably better, with sharper mental responses, after completing medically assisted detox. This level of addiction care addresses physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, including brain fog.
If brain fog still persists after getting sober and well into your long-term sobriety, you can consider exercises for fighting brain fog. Simple tips on how to clear brain fog quickly include:
- 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
- Exercise your brain (play games like crosswords, sudoku, and other puzzles)
- Practice self-care
- Regular exercise
- Avoid drinking and smoking
- Avoid drinking coffee in the afternoon or evenings
- Find enjoyable activities
If you or a loved one needs help overcoming alcoholism or drug addiction, call Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland today at 888-280-4763 to learn how our Illinois addiction treatment can help.
Related Reading:
Addiction Recovery and Employment: Holding Down a Job in Sobriety
Accountability in Recovery: Helpful Tips & Why It’s Important
