Do Hangover Cures Really Work?

J.Adderton, BSN, MSN

Most of us are familiar with the age-old remedy "hair of the dog that bit you" that is said to miraculously cure the morning after hang-over. On New Year's Day, I would love a penny for every person that conducts an internet search for a little magic on easing the nausea, dry mouth and headache that often accompanies celebrating a new year. Out of curiosity, I conducted my own search and there was no short supply of recommendations- everything from herbal supplements to businesses that offer the day after intravenous therapy. The big question is "Do they work?" and new research may give us the answer.

What is a Hangover?

A hangover is the lousy discomfort you experience as the end result of drinking too much. There isn't a hard and fast rule to how much you can drink and still avoid hangover symptoms. Typically, the more you drink, the higher the risk of unpleasant consequences.

Hangover Symptoms

Fatigue
Weakness
Thirst/Dry mouth
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Light sensitivity
High blood pressure
Sweating
Poor sleep
Muscle aches
Dizziness
Light and sound sensitivity
Anxiety
Irritability
Difficulty Concentrating

**Symptoms can vary from person to person

How Long Do Hangovers Last?

Hangover symptoms are at their worst when blood alcohol concentration in your body returns to around zero. Symptoms usually last 24 hours or longer, but the time frame can be different for everyone.

The Study

The study was conducted by researchers in addiction medicine at King's College London and results were published in the December 2021 edition of Addiction.

Method

Researchers conducted a systematic review of 21 placebo-controlled clinical trials cures endorsed to relieve hangover symptoms, such as ginseng, clove extract, Korean pear, and artichoke extract among others. Some branded cures like Rapid Recovery and Morning-Fit were also included in the reviewed trials. A total of 386 participants were included in the research analysis.

Findings

Emmert Roberts, the paper's lead author, stated the following about the study findings, "Only very low quality evidence of efficacy is available to recommend any pharmacologically active intervention for the treatment or prevention of alcohol-induced hangover". Although the study did not uncover a hangover "cure", some of the treatments did show a statistically significant improvement in common hangover symptoms. The research paper pointed to 3 treatments as possibilities for further research- clove extract, tolfenamic acid and pyritinol.

How to Avoid Hangovers

Hangover cures may just be a myth, but it is possible for someone to avoid getting one in the first place. The most foolproof method ... don't drink or drink in moderation. But for those special celebrations when you may overdo it, here are a few tips for avoiding the morning after discomfort.

Drink plenty of water along with alcoholic beverages. This will help you stay hydrated and without feeling the symptoms of dehydration.
Get a good night's sleep (at least 7 hours) to decrease hangover symptoms in the morning.
Avoid alcoholic beverages high in congeners. Congeners are chemical impurities that can contribute to hangover symptoms.
- Drinks high in congeners:
  - Whisky, especially bourbon
  - Cognac
  - Tequila
- Drinks with low levels of congeners:
  - Vodka
  - Rum
Pace yourself and be sure to drink water along with your adult libations. Try measuring your drinks and be aware of how much you are actually drinking.
Don't drink on an empty stomach. Having food in the stomach can slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Food can help lower your blood alcohol level and reduce the risk of hangover symptoms.

Hangover Don'ts

There is no shortage of "myths" concerning what to do to avoid and cure hangovers. Here are a few hangover "don'ts" to help you navigate through the misinformation.

Don't drive or operate heavy machinery. Being hung-over can slow your reaction times and alter your decision-making. Although the effects are not as severe as when you are actively drinking, hangover effects can last for up to 16 hours.
Don't take acetaminophen. It slows down your body's metabolism of alcohol and can damage your liver in high doses. Instead, take an NSAID pain reliever, like ibuprofen or aspirin, to treat hangover symptoms.
Don't keep drinking to excess. Drinking heavy enough to have hangovers regularly puts you at greater risk for alcoholism.

Let's Hear From You

Have you experienced an increase in patients seeking treatment for hangovers during the past 2 pandemic years?

References/Resources

The 6 Best Hangover Cures (Backed by Science)

The efficacy and tolerability of pharmacologically active interventions for alcohol-induced hangover symptomatology: A systematic review of the evidence from randomised placebo-controlled trials

Hangover Cures 'Lack Scientific Evidence'