What is a Hangover? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

A hangover is your body's way of telling you it's working hard to recover from alcohol. It's that uncomfortable collection of symptoms you feel the morning after drinking too much – headaches, nausea, fatigue, and general misery that can last several hours or even into the next day.

Nearly everyone who drinks alcohol has experienced this unpleasant aftermath at some point. While hangovers feel terrible, they're usually temporary and your body knows how to heal itself with time and proper care.

What are the symptoms of a hangover?

Hangover symptoms typically start several hours after your last drink, often when your blood alcohol level begins dropping back toward zero. Your body is essentially in recovery mode, trying to restore its normal balance.

The most common symptoms you might experience include:

• Throbbing headache that feels worse when you move
• Nausea or vomiting that makes eating seem impossible
• Extreme fatigue and weakness throughout your body
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Dizziness or feeling like the room is spinning
• Intense thirst and dry mouth
• Muscle aches and general body soreness
• Difficulty concentrating or mental fog
• Mood changes like irritability or anxiety
• Stomach pain or digestive discomfort

Some people also experience less common symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shakiness. These symptoms usually peak in the morning and gradually improve as your body continues processing and eliminating alcohol's effects.

What causes a hangover?

Hangovers happen because alcohol affects multiple systems in your body simultaneously. When you drink, your liver works overtime to break down alcohol, but it can only process about one drink per hour.

Several factors contribute to how awful you feel the next day:

• Dehydration occurs because alcohol blocks a hormone that helps your kidneys retain water
• Blood sugar drops as your liver focuses on processing alcohol instead of maintaining glucose levels
• Sleep disruption happens even though alcohol initially makes you drowsy
• Stomach irritation develops from alcohol's acidic effects on your digestive system
• Inflammation increases throughout your body as it responds to alcohol as a toxin
• Acetaldehyde buildup creates toxic byproducts when your liver breaks down alcohol
• Electrolyte imbalance occurs from increased urination and sweating

Congeners, which are compounds found in darker alcoholic drinks like whiskey and red wine, can make hangovers worse. Your individual genetics also play a role in how quickly you process alcohol and how severely hangovers affect you.

When to see a doctor for a hangover?

Most hangovers resolve on their own within 24 hours and don't require medical attention. However, sometimes what feels like a severe hangover could actually be alcohol poisoning or another serious condition.

You should seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Persistent vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down
• Signs of severe dehydration like dizziness when standing
• Confusion or difficulty staying conscious
• Irregular or slow breathing patterns
• Chest pain or heart palpitations
• High fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Severe abdominal pain that doesn't improve
• Blood in vomit or stool

If your hangovers are becoming frequent or interfering with your daily life, it's worth discussing your drinking patterns with a healthcare provider. They can help you understand whether your alcohol consumption might be affecting your health.

What are the risk factors for severe hangovers?

Some people seem to bounce back from drinking more easily than others. Understanding what makes hangovers worse can help you make informed decisions about drinking.

Factors that increase your hangover risk include:

• Drinking on an empty stomach allows alcohol to absorb more quickly
• Not drinking enough water before, during, or after alcohol consumption
• Getting poor quality sleep or less than usual rest
• Mixing different types of alcoholic beverages
• Drinking darker colored alcohols with more congeners
• Taking certain medications that interact with alcohol
• Being female, as women typically process alcohol differently than men
• Having a smaller body size means less water to dilute alcohol
• Being older, as alcohol tolerance typically decreases with age
• Having certain genetic variations that affect alcohol metabolism

Smoking while drinking can also worsen hangovers, and some people find that stress or illness makes them more susceptible to severe symptoms.

What are the possible complications of frequent hangovers?

While occasional hangovers are generally harmless, frequent heavy drinking that leads to regular hangovers can signal underlying health concerns. Your body is essentially experiencing repeated stress and inflammation.

Potential complications from frequent heavy drinking include:

• Liver damage from constantly processing large amounts of alcohol
• Increased risk of accidents due to impaired coordination and judgment
• Sleep pattern disruption that affects mental and physical health
• Digestive problems including gastritis and acid reflux
• Weakened immune system making you more prone to illness
• Mental health impacts including increased anxiety and depression
• Relationship and work problems from frequent impairment

In rare cases, severe hangovers might mask alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Regular heavy drinking can also lead to alcohol dependence, where your body becomes physically reliant on alcohol to function normally.

How can hangovers be prevented?

The only guaranteed way to prevent a hangover is to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. However, if you choose to drink, several strategies can help minimize your risk of feeling terrible the next day.

Before drinking, eat a substantial meal with protein, fats, and carbohydrates to slow alcohol absorption. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

While drinking, pace yourself by having no more than one drink per hour. Alternate each alcoholic drink with a full glass of water. Choose lighter colored drinks when possible, as they typically contain fewer congeners.

Avoid drinking games or situations that encourage rapid consumption. Set a limit for yourself before you start drinking and stick to it, regardless of social pressure.

Before bed, drink more water and consider taking a multivitamin to help replenish nutrients. Getting adequate sleep gives your body the best chance to recover effectively.

How is a hangover diagnosed?

Hangovers don't require formal medical diagnosis in most cases. Healthcare providers typically identify them based on your symptoms and recent drinking history.

Your doctor will ask about when you last drank alcohol, how much you consumed, and what symptoms you're experiencing. They'll want to rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms like food poisoning, viral infections, or medication reactions.

Physical examination might include checking your vital signs, hydration status, and overall appearance. Blood tests aren't usually necessary unless your symptoms are severe or concerning for other medical conditions.

The diagnosis is usually straightforward if your symptoms started after drinking and match typical hangover patterns. Your healthcare provider might use this opportunity to discuss your drinking habits and overall health.

What is the treatment for a hangover?

Unfortunately, there's no magic cure for hangovers. Time is the most effective treatment as your body naturally processes and eliminates alcohol from your system.

The most helpful approaches focus on managing symptoms and supporting your body's recovery:

• Rehydrate slowly with water, electrolyte drinks, or clear broths
• Rest in a dark, quiet room to minimize light and sound sensitivity
• Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods when you can tolerate them
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin for headaches
• Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) as it can stress your liver further
• Try ginger tea or ginger supplements for nausea relief
• Consider vitamin B complex supplements to help replenish nutrients

Avoid "hair of the dog" remedies that involve drinking more alcohol. This only delays your recovery and can lead to a dangerous cycle of continued drinking.

How to take care of yourself at home during a hangover?

Home care for hangovers focuses on rest, rehydration, and gentle nutrition. Your body needs time and support to restore its normal balance.

Start by drinking small sips of water or clear fluids every few minutes. If plain water makes you nauseous, try adding a pinch of salt and sugar, or choose an electrolyte replacement drink.

When you feel ready to eat, start with bland foods like toast, crackers, or bananas. These provide gentle energy without overwhelming your sensitive stomach. Avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods that might worsen nausea.

Create a comfortable environment by dimming lights and minimizing noise. Use a cool, damp cloth on your forehead if you have a headache. Take a lukewarm shower if it helps you feel more human.

Sleep as much as possible, as rest is crucial for recovery. If you can't sleep, at least lie down and close your eyes to give your body a chance to heal.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Most hangovers don't require medical attention, but if you're concerned about your symptoms or drinking patterns, preparation can help you get the most from your appointment.

Before your visit, write down exactly what symptoms you're experiencing and when they started. Note how much alcohol you consumed and over what time period.

Make a list of any medications, supplements, or other substances you've taken recently. Include information about your typical drinking patterns and any concerns you have about alcohol use.

Think about questions you want to ask, such as whether your symptoms are normal, if there are better ways to prevent hangovers, or if your drinking habits are affecting your health.

Be honest about your alcohol consumption. Healthcare providers need accurate information to give you the best care and aren't there to judge your choices.

What's the key takeaway about hangovers?

Hangovers are your body's natural response to processing alcohol, and while they feel awful, they typically resolve within 24 hours. The best approach is prevention through moderate drinking, staying hydrated, and eating before you drink.

When hangovers do occur, focus on rest, rehydration, and gentle self-care. Time is truly the most effective cure, though supportive measures can help you feel more comfortable while you recover.

If you find yourself experiencing hangovers frequently, it might be worth examining your relationship with alcohol. Your body is giving you feedback about what it can handle, and listening to those signals is an important part of taking care of your health.

Remember that severe symptoms or signs of alcohol poisoning require immediate medical attention. Trust your instincts if something feels seriously wrong beyond typical hangover discomfort.