Thursday, April 3, 2025

What Causes A Hangover? Symptoms, Duration, Treatment, and More

what is a hangover

Some people take over-the-counter pain relievers (often acetaminophen) before going to bed to minimize hangovers. It is important to recognize that the combination of alcohol and acetaminophen can be toxic to the liver. Like alcohol, certain over-the-counter pain relievers, including aspirin and ibuprofen, can increase acid release and irritate the lining of the stomach. Proceed with caution when using these medications before or after consuming alcohol. Additionally, discuss your use of alcohol with a healthcare provider or mental health professional who can screen you for alcohol use disorder and help guide you to appropriate treatment. Many people recover from alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder with proper medical supervision.

benefits of drinking coconut water in the morning

what is a hangover

Health issues such as kidney disease or liver disease can make you more prone to adverse effects of alcohol and more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. In this randomized crossover trial, taking yeast extract containing glutathione before drinking alcohol did not improve hangover symptoms the following morning. Some people have genetic variants of the enzymes that make this breakdown faster or slower. Because drinking is often an evening activity, hangovers are commonly described as “morning-after” effects. However, you can have a hangover any time of the day—they usually begin between three and ten hours after drinking.

  • There is also a direct toxic effect of the alcohol itself, which is thought to contribute to hangover severity.
  • However, concentrations rarely get that high, so that’s not the complete explanation.
  • And it isn’t just an excuse to snap at your partner over something trivial—research shows it’s a real thing.
  • How much you need to drink to cause a hangover depends on many factors.

What is a Hangover?

what is a hangover

In some instances, however, delayed short term effects can be symptomatic. The medical term for a hangover is “veisalgia,” which is a combination of the Greek word for pain and a Norwegian word for “uneasiness following debauchery.” This article will discuss the causes of hangovers, symptoms, and different strategies for hangover recovery. For employees already suffering from meeting hangovers, Rogelberg suggests venting but centering on problem-focused conversations with colleagues. This question-based approach creates an engaging challenge that draws people in, he said, adding that “if you just can’t think of any questions, it likely means you don’t need to create a meeting.”

How to prevent future hangovers

Chronic inflammation is believed to be a significant factor in many long-term health conditions, from diabetes to cancer and liver cirrhosis. One of the ways that alcohol is metabolized in our bodies is by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). As ADH breaks down ethanol, it forms acetaldehyde, which is a poison and a carcinogen. This is relatively quickly turned into acetate, then finally into carbon dioxide and water. As alcohol affects so many systems in our bodies and brains, a hangover is equally complex so there are myriad possible ways to suffer. If you or a loved one has a chronic drinking problem, it is important to seek professional help.

what is a hangover

Our brains have evolved so every time glutamate is released, GABA is released drug addiction too. There are gaps in the research about what is going on in our bodies during a hangover. But researchers know the hangover state is a multifactorial event caused by a variety of biochemical and neurochemical changes, as well as your personal make-up. Consider these 5 things next time you’re choosing benefits. Meanwhile, your liver works to break down the alcohol using enzymes.

  • It is important to stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, and get plenty of rest.
  • Drinking too much too quickly can affect breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex.
  • You may build a tolerance to alcohol if you drink enough consistently.

However, the difference between a hangover and alcohol withdrawal has to do with the history of alcohol consumption. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when an individual who is dependent on alcohol tries to cut down or quit drinking. They can occur naturally or be added as preservatives in alcohol. Drinks with high congeners and sulfites can make you feel how long does a hangover last worse after a night of drinking.

  • Alcohol impacts the brain’s pathways, which can affect how the brain works.
  • Some people experience certain symptoms more severely than others.
  • These symptoms include dehydration, depression, headache, anxiety, appetite suppression, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and sleepiness.
  • If hangover symptoms are severe — during or after a bout of drinking — the person may have alcohol poisoning.
  • The typical course of a hangover is that it begins after the symptoms of intoxication have worn off.
  • For some people, as little as one drink can trigger a hangover.
Gilbert Shawn
Gilbert Shawn
Gilbert Shawn is an entrepreneur who knows how to turn a profit without turning his hair grey! With a sharp mind for business and a sunny disposition, he's always looking for new ways to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. Whether he's brainstorming ideas for a new venture or putting the finishing touches on an existing project, Gilbert brings his A-game and never settles for less. He's got a real head for numbers, but he's not all about the bottom line - he also knows how to have a little fun along the way!

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