The Best Way to Get Rid of a Hangover

There are many cures and remedies available for hangovers. However there is little to no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. In fact, scientists don’t know what causes alcohol hangovers. So what is the best way to get rid of a hangover? Or to prevent one?

Getting Rid of a Hangover

Time

This is usually the most important component in getting rid of a hangover, since most symptoms will resolve themselves anywhere from 8 to 24 hours after the last drink was taken.

Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels

Consuming fruits, fruit juices or other foods that contain fructose could help to decrease the intensity of a hangover. Eating foods that are made up of complex carbohydrates, like toast, can help to even out low blood sugar levels which may relieve nausea.

Drink More Fluids

Obviously the fluids should be non alcoholic. Drinking more water can keep the individual hydrated and alleviate alcohol induced dehydration.

Over the Counter Medication

Non prescriptions medicines like antacids can relieve nausea and inflammation of the stomach lining after a heavy drinking session. Aspirin and other medications like ibuprofen  can help reduce headaches and muscle aches that are associated with a hangover.

Drink Coffee

Drinking a cup of coffee can counteract the fatigue and malaise that an hangover brings.

Sleep it Off

Getting plenty of rest helps. While most hangovers are gone within a day, they can affect cognitive function and performance

Preventing a Hangover

Since there is no real evidence to suggest that any remedies can really treat a hangover, the most effective way to avoid the symptoms is to avoid the hangover in the first place. Some ways to do that are:
Drink Less

Even among those individuals who drink excessively, it is found that those who consume lower amounts of alcohol appear less likely to develop a hangover than those who drink higher amounts.

Avoid Certain Types of Alcohol

Beverages like brandy, whiskey, and red wine may be more likely to produce a hangover than those beverages with low levels of congeners.

A Drinking Strategy

Drinking a glass of water between alcoholic drinks can help to slow the effects of alcohol and lead to fewer alcoholic drinks being consumed.

As mentioned previously, doctors and experts don’t understand the pathology of an alcohol hangover in much detail, and until they do, an effective treatment method is not possible. Presently, the available remedies treat specific symptoms such as vomiting or headache, but are not effective for reducing or treating the remaining symptoms. The best way to get rid of a hangover is not to get hungover to begin with.

Recovery is hard work but you don’t have to do it alone. Call The Villa to find out how we can support your goals for sober living.

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Medically Reviewed By:

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Dr Courtney Scott, MD

Dr. Scott is a distinguished physician recognized for his contributions to psychology, internal medicine, and addiction treatment. He has received numerous accolades, including the AFAM/LMKU Kenneth Award for Scholarly Achievements in Psychology and multiple honors from the Keck School of Medicine at USC. His research has earned recognition from institutions such as the African American A-HeFT, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and studies focused on pediatric leukemia outcomes. Board-eligible in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Scott has over a decade of experience in behavioral health. He leads medical teams with a focus on excellence in care and has authored several publications on addiction and mental health. Deeply committed to his patients’ long-term recovery, Dr. Scott continues to advance the field through research, education, and advocacy.

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