Therapist's Insight: Why You Crave Candy After Getting Sober

As a therapist working with individuals in recovery, one of the questions I hear often - sometimes with a mix of amusement and frustration - is "Why am I suddenly obsessed with candy now that I'm sober?"

It might surprise you to know that this is not only common, but also rooted in science. Whether you're in early sobriety or a few months in, cravings for sweets like candy (Skittles and Twizzler's seem to always be a hit!), chocolate, or soda can be your body's way of adapting to life without substances. Let's take a closer look at why this happens - and what you can do about it.

1. The Brain Is Recalibrating

   Substances like alcohol and drugs significantly impact the brain's dopamine system - the part of the brain responsible for feelings of reward and pleasure. When you stop using, your brain initially struggles to produce dopamine at the same levels.

   Sugar, interestingly enough, also stimulates dopamine - just to a lesser degree. So if you find yourself reaching to sweets, it may be your brain's attempt to seek out that familiar "reward" feeling it used to get from substances.

   Clinical Note: I often reassure clients that this is not a sign of weakness or failure - it's a biological response to withdrawal and healing. So enjoy the candy, let your body heal!
   

2. Sugar Replaces the Alcohol

   For clients who are in recovery from alcohol specifically, sugar cravings can be particularly strong. That's because alcohol metabolizes as sugar, and the body becomes accustomed to that constant influx of glucose. Once you stop drinking, your body may start signaling for sugar in other ways—cue the candy cravings.

3. Your Body Is Rebuilding

   Long-term substance use can deplete nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and chromium - all of which help regulate blood sugar and mood. When these are out of balance, it can increase cravings, fatigue, and emotional dysregulation.

   A craving for sugar might not be a call for candy - it might actually be a signal that your body is asking for fuel and restoration.

   
   

4. You're Feeling Again - And That's Hard

   Early sobriety often brings an emotional flood. After months or years of numbing difficult feelings, many clients describe emotions returning with intensity - grief, anxiety, boredom, shame. Sugar becomes a soothing, legal, fast-acting comfort.

   From a therapeutic standpoint, this is completely understandable.

How to Support Yourself through this Sugar Journey

Here are a few things I suggest to clients who are navigating these cravings:

1. Prioritize Balanced Nutrition

   Regular meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats can stabilize blood sugar and reduce intense cravings.

2. Add Movement

   You don't need to run a marathon - but walking, stretching, or gentle exercise can boost dopamine naturally.

3. Choose Mindful Alternatives

   Sweet cravings don't mean processed sugar all the time. If you find yourself having "sugar crashes", try fruit, smoothies, or dark chocolate to give you a longer lasting satisfaction.

4. Normalize It

   You're not "addicted to sugar" because you eat candy in sobriety. You're learning to cope without numbing, and that takes time, grace, and self-compassion.

Final Thoughts from a Therapist

Craving sweets in sobriety is not about weakness. It's about adaptation. Your body and brain are working hard to find new rhythms, and sugar is a temporary, familiar source of comfort.

If you're navigating recovery and finding yourself surprised by the intensity of your cravings - you're not alone. And you're not doing anything wrong.

Healing isn't always linear, and sometimes it tastes like a Snickers bar. That is okay!

As always, I love to hear from you! Please comment below if there is a topic that you would like for me to talk about!