Neuropsychologist Kamini Krishnan, PhD, explains why brain fog has become a popular term of the moment and why brain fog may happen as a symptom of other common conditions. Many people who join the abstinence movement and want to quit alcohol don’t fall within these parameters. Nevertheless, research focused on the brains of people recovering from alcoholism may still offer insight into what can happen whenever a person stops consuming alcohol. Whereas heavy drinking consists of more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week for men. And for women, more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks per week. We’ve all made the connection between sleep and tiredness, but the effects of sleep deprivation on the brain and body are extensive.

• She has MBAs from UC Berkeley and Columbia University and a BA in International Business and Spanish from Dominican University in River Forest, IL.
• Her compassion for seniors and her focus on providing quality care are very appreciated among the participants at WelbeHealth.
• Hanju is passionate about healthcare, using her expertise to improve the well-being of those she serves, ensuring everyone gets top-quality care.
• His work is a reflection of his commitment to making meaningful impacts, guided by the belief that change starts with individual actions.
• There is also evidence it rejuvenates cell growth and reduces the buildup of plaque among brain cells.

Recovery Support

There isn’t a specific timeframe as to how long you’ll experience brain fog. Contact a healthcare provider if brain fog is interfering with your quality of life. If you are struggling with brain fog during or after alcohol detox, seeking professional help is essential.

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In fact, a 2021 study found that 7 percent of people with long-haul COVID-19 reported brain fog. They then develop healthy thought patterns that help them cope with stress and refuse alcohol. A person should check themselves into an alcohol detox program and receive medication to wean themselves off drinks. While they are in the program, they should drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.

Steps seniors can take to improve mental clarity:

She approaches each patient as a whole person and ensures every aspect is being treated. When he’s not working, he takes pleasure in spending quality time with family, cooking, hiking, and doing puzzles. When he’s not working, he enjoys hiking, skiing and spending time with family and friends.

• Regular exercise keeps your brain and body in shape, but fighting off brain fog doesn’t even require breaking a sweat.
• With continued sobriety, you may begin to notice improvements in your cognitive function over time.
• Irrational thoughts that lead to impulsive behavior are replaced by more reasonable ones.
• The key is to practice a few different remedies and get help from licensed alcohol treatment counselors.
• He has led teams and networks that deliver highly coordinate care to some of our most vulnerable community members.
• She finds immense value in being a part of each participant’s life journey, considering it a priceless aspect of her career.
• With Long COVID, the exact combination of brain fog symptoms varies from one person to the next.

Dual Diagnosis 101: How Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use Disorder Often go Hand in Hand

Brain fog from alcohol typically lasts for 8 to 24 hours after drinking. However, the time frame can be longer for people who regularly consume heavy amounts of alcohol and then stop drinking. Many people with brain fog also feel fatigued — both mentally and physically. It’s almost as if there’s a layer of film in our mind that prevents our brain from working as well as it normally does. While everyone is different, both Frame and Dr. McAlpine say treatment and support can help in many cases. “A person might say, ‘I can do all six of these things, but in between, I need recovery breaks,’” Frame says.

They may struggle with making decisions, staying focused, and remembering simple things. In some cases, it may impact their quality of life and ability to perform basic functions related to personal care and safety. Regarding brain fog how to get rid of brain fog from alcohol and COVID-19, new research shows that brain fog is a result of the virus living in your gut after infection symptoms resolve. This can reduce how much serotonin (a chemical messenger) your body produces, which can impact cognitive function and lead to symptoms of brain fog. Alcohol consumption can also gum up the brain in multiple ways, primarily by slowing down cognition.

All these conditions cause, contribute to or signal the onset of brain fog. She provides strategies based on the types of cognitive deficits they are struggling with. An estimated 7% of adults—or about 17 million people—in the United States reported having Long COVID in March 2024, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Estimates vary as to exactly how many of those people struggle with cognitive function, but in one study of people with Long COVID, close to half reported having poor memory or brain fog. Sometimes, brain fog is less related to slow brain function and due more to overactive brain activity, such as over-analyzing a simple situation or obsessing about a problem. One way to let go of nit-picking or ruminating thoughts is to channel your energy into a creative activity, like drawing, needlepoint or cooking.