Is sugar/carb addiction real? The truth behind the cravings

Is sugar and carbohydrate addiction real, or is it just an excuse for overeating? The answer is clear: Sugar/carb addiction is a primary illness—a legitimate, biochemical dependency that rewires the brain. While some dismiss it as a lack of willpower, experts like Bitten Jonsson—a Swedish addiction specialist—argue that this condition operates much like substance addiction, with unique challenges that demand specialized treatment.

The science behind sugar addiction

Research shows that sugar and refined carbs trigger the brain's reward system similarly to drugs like cocaine and alcohol, releasing dopamine and creating cravings. Over time, the brain builds tolerance, leading to increased consumption just to feel "normal." Withdrawal symptoms—such as irritability, fatigue, and intense cravings—further confirm its addictive nature.

Yet, unlike substance addictions, sugar is everywhere, socially acceptable, and widespread in our diets (since all carbs break down into glucose).

The solution: abstinence as the only path

Bitten Jonsson's research reveals a hard truth: for true sugar/carb addicts, abstinence is the only effective solution. This means:

• Complete elimination of refined sugars and high-glycemic carbohydrates

• No "just one bite" mentality - it reactivates the addiction pathways

• Avoiding all sweeteners, even so-called "natural" ones like honey or maple syrup

• Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods (meats, fish, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables)

The brain's response to sugar is so powerful that harm reduction approaches typically fail. After all, you wouldn't ask an alcoholic to just reduce their alcohol intake, right?

Why this approach works

1. Breaks the addiction cycle by eliminating the substance causing dopamine dysregulation

2. Allows taste buds and brain chemistry to reset over time

3. Reduces inflammation that fuels cravings

4. Stabilizes blood sugar to prevent energy crashes and subsequent cravings

   
   

The bottom line

Sugar/carb addiction is very real—a primary illness that requires specific treatment approaches. If you've struggled with uncontrollable cravings and failed attempts to quit, understand that this isn't about willpower—it's about biochemistry.

The good news? Recovery is absolutely possible with the right nutritional approach and support system.

(Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice.)

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Learn more:

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2. Gearhardt AN, Corbin WR, Brownell KD. Preliminary validation of the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Appetite. 2009;52(2):430-6. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2008.12.003.

3. Lustig RH, Schmidt LA, Brindis CD. Public health: The toxic truth about sugar. Nature. 2012;482(7383):27-9. doi:10.1038/482027a.

4. Ahmed SH, Guillem K, Vandaele Y. Sugar addiction: pushing the drug-sugar analogy to the limit. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2013;16(4):434-9. doi:10.1097/MCO.0b013e328361c8b8.

5. Westwater ML, Fletcher PC, Ziauddeen H. Sugar addiction: the state of the science. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(Suppl 2):55-69. doi:10.1007/s00394-016-1229-6.

6. Jonsson B. Sockerberoende: En klinisk vägledning [Sugar Addiction: A Clinical Guide]. Stockholm: Karolinska Institutet; 2018.

7. Jonsson B. Sugar addiction: clinical observations and treatment strategies. Presented at: International Conference on Addiction and Associated Disorders; 2019; London, UK.