Hangovers National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA

Long-term effects of consuming too much alcohol can negatively impact your health. People prone to migraines tend to have more problems with hangovers. People who drink alcohol regularly, or those who are taking certain specific medications that affect liver how long does a hangover last enzymes, may metabolize alcohol more quickly, having fewer problems with intoxication and hangover as a result. Conversely, there are many medications that interfere with the breakdown of alcohol and acetaldehyde, worsening the consequences of drinking.

If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with addiction, let us hear your story and help you determine a path to treatment. The Doctor Weighs In is a trusted source for quality evidence-based stories about health, healthcare, and innovation. Dr. Thomas is also a member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), the leading professional organization for communicators of medical information.

How much you had to drink

It’s also why people sometimes crave a big fry up in the morning. Unfortunately there’s no definitive way to avoid or get rid of a hangover although certainly ensuring adequate hydration while drinking and afterwards will help to limit it as much as possible. It’s also why, after a night out drinking, foods like burgers or kebabs are so tempting – they offer a sudden, desperately needed, rise in blood sugar. Alcohol also causes low blood sugar levels, which can make people feel weak, frail, jittery, sweaty and nervous. Molecules called ‚congeners’ such as methanol and acetones are formed during the fermentation process and when alcohol is broken down and are present in drinks in varying quantities. Alcoholic beverages contain ingredients called congeners, which give many types of alcoholic beverages their flavor and can contribute to hangovers.

• These symptoms are all quite common after a night of over-consumption.
• You may have dry mouth, headache, dizziness, or nausea and be tired, shaky, thirsty, or sensitive to light and sound.

While the occasional night out with cocktails can be fun, alcohol-induced hangovers are the exact opposite. Dr. Shafer knows most people have their own special recipe to cure a hangover. She says there’s no specific combination supported by the medical community.

What Are the Effects?

It only takes about five minutes for the alcohol to reach your brain. Initially, you feel happy and relaxed because consuming alcohol activates the release of endorphins. Your brain naturally produces these feel-good chemicals, and then your nervous system carries them throughout your body. The goal of endorphins is to improve your sense of well-being and reduce stress. New research focuses on the theory that hangovers involve inflammation.

Depending on different factors, a hangover usually lasts around 24 hours after drinking. Treatment options are also available for those suffering from https://ecosoberhouse.com/ alcohol addiction. Drinking alcohol faster than your body can process it can overwhelm your system and lead to a worse hangover the next day.

How Long Does the “Morning After” Feeling Last?

According to a recent study, a person with type 1 diabetes will likely experience hypoglycemia after drinking alcohol.9 Hypoglycemia is a dangerous condition characterized by low blood sugar levels. However, heavy drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include mental confusion, vomiting, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, trouble staying awake/alert and maintaining consciousness, clammy or pale skin and seizures. If alcohol poisoning is at all suspected, call 911 for immediate medical attention. This disturbed sleep pattern may lead to a sleep hangover in addition to the alcohol hangover.