By admin addiction Detoxification Dr. Dalal Akoury Drugs Obesity sugar June 10, 2014

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Drug Addiction

Who doesn’t like sweet things? This is a question whose answer would probably be the same across the divide in our global society today. I am almost attempted to believe that you have a positive answer to my introduction. But all the same we all need sugar to make our food staff much tasty and we can find sugar nearly everywhere in our homes, supermarkets, social places and even in the religious setups. You may be wondering how sugar finds its way nearly in all places, to help you on that, sugar hides itself between cookies, cakes, sodas and other foods you may be thinking of. Now all this food stuff is found everywhere and that is how we are surrounded with sugar which in itself is an addictive substance.

Food molecules enter the body in three different ways that is through fats, carbohydrates and protein. Of this sugar is categorized as carbohydrates which are composed of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Sugar is relatively a simple molecule and it is easier to break down in the body intestinal system. This element sugar can be found in many different forms today. This forms can include anything from simple white cane sugar (what we usually use in baked goods) to the more exotic sugars like agave nectar or molasses. All of these substances contain the same mixture of simple sugars, which are glucose, fructose, and sucrose. These three types of sugars can be mixed and matched in order to create a unique combination.

Saying that sugar is addictive then what is addiction? It is something that causes psychological dependence, addiction can be classified as dependence which is characterized by compulsive, sometimes uncontrollable, behaviors that occur at the expense of other activities and intensify with repeated access. Looking at addiction in relation to sugar would mean that consumption of sugar consistently and without any form of control can cause injure the operations of daily activities.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Signs of Sugar Addictions

For one to be diagnosed with a sugar addictions, most likely the psychologists and doctors would look at three different signs:

Bingeing
Withdrawal
Craving

Anyone of these symptoms can be an indicator of initial stages of an addiction but all the three combined together points to a serious dependence on a certain substance. Ordinarily we would think of alcohol and other drugs as addictive substances, but for sure sugar is a very real addiction too. The consumption of sugar increases the serotonin levels in the body which is a calming and mood elevating neurotransmitter. Serotonin is an anti-depressant and regulates pain levels and sleep cycle. When sugar levels increase, serotonin levels rise and individuals can feel better about themselves both physically and mentally. Many times we think of cookies and ice cream as comfort food, so this could be one reason why some people have a hard time staying away from these sweets.

Ingesting sugar can also increase dopamine levels. Studies have proven that addictive substances like cocaine and heroin cause elevated extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. This same process occurs when foods rich in sugar are ingested. It has also been found that the dopamine receptors are critical for people to experience pleasure for normal life events like watching movies, exercising, or reading books. A deficiency in this receptor can lead to depression, so many times those who are deficient in the dopamine receptors may turn to drugs or sugar for pleasure. A deficiency in the receptor has also been linked to a variety of disorders like alcoholism, bulimia, or binge eating.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Effects of Sugar on the brain

Intermittent sugar access can also act through the opioids in the brain. The changes in the opioid systems of the brain caused by eating sugar lead to the addiction-like signs of withdrawal. “Intermittent, excessive intake of sugar can have dopaminergic, cholinergic, and opioid effects that are similar to psycho-stimulants and opiates, albeit smaller in magnitude” (Avena, 2008). Even though the effects of sugar on neurochemicals are mild, it can lead to a dependency or addiction over time.

In addition to the neurochemical reasons for sugar addictions, there is also an area in the brain that shows signs of sugar addictions. In a study where participants consumed sugar and brain activity was analyzed, it was found that the orbitofrontal cortex was active after sugar consumption. The orbitofrontal cortex is an area in the front of the brain where human’s process rewards. This means that eating sugar is a rewarding activity, so we are likely to continue to eat sugar in order to feel reward and pleasure.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Who is affected the most by sugar addictions

Those at risk for sugar addictions include:

Those with bulimia, binge eating disorder, obesity, alcohol dependent, smokers and those with chronic pain. This is because sugar addiction is comparative to these disorders, and many times these disorders may occur congruently with sugar addictions.
Healthy, normal weight individuals, by definition, do not suffer from food addiction; however, overweight and obese individuals could meet clinical criteria. The reason for sugar addictions is not because sugar tastes good, but rather it is in the way it is consumed with alternating binging and restricting.

Environmental factors can also trigger sugar addictions for example watching a commercial about candy, smelling cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, or simply being around sugar can cause someone to start eating it uncontrollably. Eating sugar can also become a learned response by simply eating sugar when hungry, bored, or tired so that someone craves it whenever they feel this way. Overtime it will be a habit to simply reach out and eat sugar when these cues arise.

Psychology behind Sugar Addictions-Summary-Why is Sugar Addictive?

Sugar addictions, or sugar dependence, is based off the three basic stages of bingeing, withdrawal, and craving. Sugar can cause the neurochemicals dopamine, tryptophan, and serotonin to increase. All of these are involved with pleasure, reward, and pain tolerance that can make sugar irresistible. These neurochemicals are also released with other drugs of addiction, which links sugar addictions to any other addiction. Finally sugar is addictive because:

We Feel Better When We Eat It. Eating sugar increases the serotonin levels in the body, which is a calming and mood elevating neurotransmitter. Serotonin plays an important part in regulating pain levels and sleep cycles, and it is an anti-depressant. When sugar levels increase, serotonin levels rise and individuals can feel better about themselves both physically and mentally.
It’s as Addictive as Drugs like Cocaine. Ingesting sugar can also increase dopamine levels, which also happens when someone ingests cocaine or other addictive drugs. This can cause a binge and withdrawal cycle and lead to a dependence on the substance.
The Brain thinks it Is Rewarding. The orbitofrontal cortex is an area in the front of the brain where humans process rewards, and this is activated when someone consumes sugar. Therefore, sugar is seen as rewarding to the body.

We can never conclude without offering an avenue for help in case you or your loved ones are suffering from sugar addiction. The over two decades experience of doctor Akoury in helping people suffering from addiction is an experience you would want to be part of. She is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where emphasis is made on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) as a means of treating addiction to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is a resource you would not want to miss.