How to Cure Your Hangover Symptoms Quickly

Hangovers are a common and unpleasant consequence of drinking too much alcohol, often leaving you tired, nauseous, and mentally foggy the next day. While there's no magic cure, understanding what causes a hangover and how to manage or prevent one can make a big difference in how you feel.

What is a Hangover?

A hangover is a set of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that occur the morning after consuming large amounts of alcohol the night before. 

Hangovers are very common among people who consume large amounts of alcohol. 

A 2008 study found that approximately 75% of people who engaged in heavy drinking experienced hangover symptoms. Conversely, about 25 to 30% of drinkers appear to be resistant to hangovers.  

This article will give you tips on how to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover.

Hangover Symptoms

Common hangover symptoms include:

• Sleep disturbances.

• Irritability.

• Anxiety and depression. 

• Dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation).

• Dry mouth.

• Fatigue.

• Weakness.

• Low energy.

• Muscle aches.

• Headache.

• Light and sound sensitivity.

• High blood pressure.

• Rapid heartbeat.

• Jitteriness, shakiness, or tremor.

• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

• Diaphoresis (increased sweating).

• Polydipsia (increased thirst).

• Mental fog.

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Effects of Hangovers on The Body   

A hangover typically lasts for 8 to 24 hours and is at its worst when the effect of alcohol wears off and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) returns to near zero, which is usually the morning after a night of drinking. 

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Alcoholic beverages are diuretics, meaning they cause the body to lose fluid and electrolytes in urine. 

This can lead to dehydration, characterized by low levels of fluid in the body. 

Alcohol also causes a decrease in the level of vasopressin, the natural hormone that regulates fluid and salt balance. 

As a result of dehydration and electrolyte derangement, alcohol-induced hangovers typically cause a host of symptoms, such as excessive thirst, headaches, and fatigue.

Digestive Problems 

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, slows digestion, increases gastric acid and pancreatic secretions, and raises fatty substances in the liver. 

Therefore, excessive drinking can result in an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. 

Inflammation 

Drinking alcohol can cause inflammation throughout the body due to underlying biochemical changes and effects on the body’s immune system. In the short term, this can lead to a general feeling of being unwell after excessive alcohol consumption. 

Over time, this can result in chronic inflammation, which contributes to various serious health conditions.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

People with alcohol use disorder often binge drink (drink too much alcohol in a short period) along with failing to eat enough. 

This can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) and symptoms such as fatigue, increased sweating, excessive hunger, and jitteriness.

Sleep Disruption

Drinking alcohol can make you sleepy initially, but an alcohol hangover can disrupt sleep. 

As your blood alcohol level falls after a night of drinking, it can lead to insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep), causing fatigue, brain fog, and daytime grogginess.

Mental Symptoms of a Hangover

The symptoms of a hangover occur due to alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, causing a calming and relaxing effect due to decreased brain activity when consumed.

However, when blood alcohol levels start falling, the nervous system has to adjust to these changes, resulting in mental symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. 

Effects of Alcohol on The Body

When the body metabolizes (breaks down) alcohol, one of the byproducts is a compound called acetaldehyde. 

This substance causes symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and a fast pulse in the short term and inflammation in various organs with long-term exposure. 

Some people have a genetic inability to process acetaldehyde. As a result, they become intoxicated after consuming small amounts of alcohol. 

Alcohol can affect people differently depending on various factors, which can include: 

• Congeners: Congeners are substances that are responsible for the smell, taste, and appearance of alcohol. They also contribute to alcohol’s intoxicating effects and can make a hangover worse. 

• Other substance use: Using tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and other illegal substances can add to the intoxicating effects of alcohol and increase the severity of unpleasant symptoms.

• Individual differences: Studies suggest that people with a family history of alcohol abuse and those with anger, guilt, or defensiveness over drinking alcohol are more likely to suffer hangovers.

Hangover Self-Care Tips

Here are some tips to get fast hangover relief:

• Eat bland foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain toast and crackers, to help raise blood sugar levels and ease hangover symptoms such as nausea and stomach upset.

• Hydrate and replace electrolytes by drinking lots of water, fruit juice, sports drinks, or electrolyte supplements. This can relieve symptoms such as a hangover headache. A good sign that you are well-hydrated is light yellow or clear urine.

• Rest is essential to help your body recover and reduce mental fatigue during alcohol withdrawal. Getting adequate sleep and rest can help reduce the severity of hangovers. 

• Antacids can neutralize stomach acid and counteract the stomach irritation caused by alcohol, relieving hangover symptoms such as upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help relieve muscle aches and pains. However, do not take too many of these OTC pain relievers as they can cause stomach irritation. Also, avoid taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) as it can increase the risk of liver damage.

• Dietary Supplements may help to counteract the effects of alcohol and ease hangover symptoms. Supplements to consider include:

• B vitamins

• Zinc

• Red ginseng

• Prickly pear

• Ginger

• Borage oil

• Eleuthero

Prevention Strategies 

Drink slowly and alternate between alcoholic beverages and plain water. Your body needs one hour to process one drink of alcohol. 

Examples of one drink include:

• A 12-ounce can of light beer (5% alcohol),

• A Half pint of dark beer 

• Craft beer 

• Malt liquor (7% alcohol) 

• A 5-ounce glass of sparkling wine or white or red wine (12% alcohol) 

• A 1.5-ounce shot of liquor (40% alcohol)

Before Consuming Alcohol 

• Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. This can cause rapid alcohol absorption into your bloodstream. Remember to eat before and while you’re drinking. 

• Alternate between alcoholic beverages and water or alcohol-free drinks. This will result in less overall alcohol intake throughout the evening.

• Count your drinks. Set a limit and stick to it. 

• Avoid binge drinking (more than four drinks in one drinking session).

• Avoid drinking rounds, shots, or drinking games, especially with friends who are heavy drinkers.

• Avoid getting another drink before finishing the one you have or letting someone top up your drink.

• Don’t drink and drive.

Immediate Actions After Drinking

Drink plenty of fluids, eat some carbohydrates, and take a painkiller such as ibuprofen after drinking to reduce hangover symptoms. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Taking a Shower Help with Hangovers?

Many people claim that drinking coffee, taking a shower, and eating a greasy, fatty meal can help you get over a bad hangover. However, experts warn that there is no quick cure for a hangover. 

You have to let your body process and eliminate the alcohol from your system. This typically takes 8 to 24 hours, depending on how many alcoholic beverages you drank.

Does the Hair of the Dog Really Work?

Hair of the dog is a hangover cure that involves drinking more alcohol to ease hangover symptoms. 

But while you may get some temporary relief, this is a dangerous practice that can result in too much alcohol in your body, putting you at risk of alcohol poisoning.

How To Stop Throwing Up Bile After Drinking?

Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to stop throwing up bile after drinking. If vomiting continues, consider going to the emergency room for IV (intravenous or into the vein) fluids and anti-nausea medications.

What Causes A Delayed Hangover?

A delayed hangover refers to hangover symptoms emerging later than expected. Several factors can cause this, including the body's slower metabolism of alcohol, the presence of congeners in your drinks, and individual genetic differences.

What Are The Signs of Alcohol Poisoning?  

Alcohol poisoning or alcohol overdose occurs when there is too much alcohol in the body, causing parts of the brain that control essential life functions, such as heart rate, breathing, and temperature control, to shut down. 

Seek emergency medical help if you develop symptoms and signs of alcohol poisoning, such as:

• Clammy skin

• Confusion

• Slowed responses

• Vomiting

• Difficulty breathing

• Slow heart rate

• Low body temperature

• Convulsions

• Unconsciousness

Severe alcohol poisoning can cause brain damage and may even be fatal.

Professional Resources and Support 

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder, you can read more about getting help on the website of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a treatment locator tool for people suffering from mental health and substance use disorders.

Learn about the benefits of quitting alcohol.