16627 Hangover

Overview

A hangover is a group of unpleasant symptoms that happen after drinking too much alcohol. It usually starts when your blood alcohol level begins to drop and can last up to 24 hours. Common signs include headache, tiredness, nausea, and a dry mouth.

Very common. Most people who drink alcohol will have a hangover at some point, especially after heavy or binge drinking.

Anyone who drinks alcohol can get a hangover, but it tends to be more common in younger adults and people who drink heavily. However, even moderate drinkers can get one if they drink too much on an empty stomach.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Headache and sensitivity to light
• Tiredness and weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Dry mouth and excessive thirst
• Muscle aches and dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Rapid heartbeat or feeling shaky

Symptoms in children

• Hangovers are not a childhood condition. If a child has had any alcohol, it is a medical emergency — call your local emergency number immediately.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults can have more severe hangover symptoms because the body processes alcohol more slowly. They are also at higher risk of dehydration and falls due to dizziness.

Causes

Main causes

• Alcohol causes dehydration by increasing urination
• Acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical made when the body breaks down alcohol, causes inflammation
• Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, leading to nausea and vomiting
• Alcohol disrupts sleep, leaving you tired the next day
• Low blood sugar from alcohol can cause weakness, shakiness, and headache
• Drinks with more congeners (such as dark spirits, wine, and beer) can cause worse hangovers

Risk factors

• Drinking too much in a short time (binge drinking)
• Drinking on an empty stomach
• Not drinking water in between alcoholic drinks
• Lack of sleep during and after drinking
• Being a woman or having a smaller body size
• Having a history of migraines
• Drinking carbonated alcoholic drinks, which can be absorbed faster

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have the emergency symptoms listed above, call emergency services immediately.
• If you have a seizure or lose consciousness, call for emergency help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have frequent hangovers or are finding it hard to control how much you drink, talk to your GP or a local alcohol support service.
• If you have symptoms that last more than 24 hours or keep happening, it's worth getting checked.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can usually tell if you have a hangover by asking you about your drinking and your symptoms. There is no specific test for a hangover.

Tests that may be done

• Most people do not need any tests. If your doctor is worried about dehydration or another cause, they may check your blood pressure, heart rate, or send blood tests to check your kidney function and salt levels.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your alcohol use, and whether you have any health conditions. They may also check for signs of dehydration or a more serious problem, such as alcohol poisoning or liver disease.

Treatment

There is no quick fix for a hangover. Your body needs time to recover. The main goals are to rehydrate, rest, and manage your symptoms safely. Avoid drinking more alcohol to 'cure' a hangover — this only makes things worse.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you can and avoid driving or operating machinery.
• Drink plenty of water or sugar-free fluids to rehydrate.
• Eat something light if you can, such as toast, crackers, or a banana.
• Try foods rich in potassium, like bananas, as alcohol lowers your potassium levels.
• Take a cool shower or apply a cold pack for a headache.
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they can make dehydration worse.
• Avoid taking painkillers unless a doctor or pharmacist advises, as some can put extra stress on your liver or stomach.

Medical treatments

In most cases, no medical treatment is needed. If you are severely dehydrated or cannot keep fluids down, a doctor may recommend fluids given through a drip (intravenous fluids) or anti-sickness medication to help you rehydrate. Always follow the advice of a healthcare professional.

Living with this condition

A hangover usually passes within 24 hours. The best approach is to take it easy, drink fluids, eat small meals, and rest. If you are at work or school, try to arrange a lighter day if possible. Do not drink more alcohol to feel better, as this will delay recovery.

Lifestyle tips

• Set limits for yourself when drinking, such as alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.
• Eat a meal before drinking, and snack during the evening.
• Avoid drinking in rounds or shots that make it easy to lose count.
• Have alcohol-free days during the week.
• If you drink, keep to recommended low-risk amounts (usually up to 14 units a week for adults in the UK) and spread it over several days.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced meal before drinking and a light meal the next day can help your body recover. Gentle activity like a walk may help you feel better, but avoid strenuous exercise while dehydrated. Foods such as eggs, oatmeal, bananas, and toast are easy on the stomach and can help replace nutrients.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hangovers can make you feel anxious, low, or guilty, especially if you're not sure what you did while drinking. These feelings usually pass as the hangover goes. If you often feel anxious or low after drinking, or if you use alcohol to cope with stress, talk to your GP or a support service.

Prevention

The only guaranteed way to prevent a hangover is to not drink alcohol at all. If you do drink, the risk of a hangover is lower when you drink less, eat beforehand, sip water in between, and avoid drinking to excess. There is no evidence that any pill or product prevents a hangover.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe dehydration, which can cause your kidneys to work less well.
• Electrolyte imbalance, leading to muscle cramps, weakness, or confusion.
• Falls and injuries, especially in older adults, due to dizziness.
• Alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.
• Worsening of long-term health conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems.
• Stomach irritation and bleeding in rare cases.

Long-term outlook

For most people, a hangover is unpleasant but temporary, and you will recover fully within 24 hours. The best way to avoid future hangovers is to drink less. If you find yourself having hangovers often, getting support can help you make lasting changes. There is no shame in asking for help.

Find support

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