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Hangover Causes and Treatment

Hangover is a body’s reaction to drinking alcohol. Everyone has a different tolerance to alcohol and usually it is lower for women than men. However, everyone who drinks too much alcohol will experience symptoms which might include a headache, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and trembling. The symptoms get worse if a person drinks on an empty stomach. Smoking cigarettes while drinking also results in worse hangovers.

Hangovers can occur at any time of the day but are usually more common in the morning directly after the night of drinking. Along with the physical symptoms, a person may experience anxiety, irritation, moodiness, and depression. In case of short sleep, the hangover gets worse. It is impossible to say how much alcohol can be safely consumed to avoid a hangover. It depends on several factors such as the emotional and physical state of a person and the amount of water taken during drinking sessions.

The color of the beverages may also play a role. It might be better to consume clear spirits like vodka and gin, or clear versions of rum and tequila. Darker drinks like bourbon and scotch tend to have higher levels of chemical compounds called congeners which can bring on the inflammation that makes a hangover worse.

Hangovers can last up to 72 hours after drinking, but most are shorter in duration. But what’s the cause of hangover anyway? There are several reasons: first, alcohol causes frequent urination, which raises the chances of dehydration. Dehydration causes that sensation of thirst. Alcohol consumption can cause the blood vessels to dilate, which can cause headaches. It also affects the quality of sleep; often an individual may wake up tired and still sleepy because of the poor quality of sleep.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for a hangover. Either you should avoid drinking or drink as much as your body can tolerate. However, the symptoms can be alleviated by rest, rehydration, and sleep, while the latter can dramatically speed up the recovery process. Additionally, eating fruit that contains fructose might help metabolize (break down and get rid of) the alcohol more rapidly.

If an individual has exceptionally severe symptoms after drinking, they may have alcohol poisoning. In case of trouble with breathing, and non-stopping vomiting, medical support may be needed.

So, the next time you go out with your friends think twice before drinking those last two shots of the night. Having a fun night out must not always result in a horrible morning after.