Hangovers from Drinking: Symptoms & When It Becomes a Concern

Hangovers occur in about 75% of individuals who drink to intoxication. It often consists of a headache, nausea, and fatigue. This is your body’s way of reacting to heavy drinking. While an occasional hangover may not seem like a big deal, frequent or severe ones can indicate deeper health concerns, or present themselves as a sign of risky drinking habits.

A hangover consists of both physical and mental symptoms that occur after drinking too much alcohol. Symptoms usually begin a few hours after blood alcohol levels begin to drop. They can peak when alcohol is completely gone from the body, leaving an aftermath of unpleasant physical symptoms.

Hangovers vary in intensity and affect people differently depending on a wide variety of factors including age, gender, hydration levels, and drinking habits. While uncomfortable, a hangover is typically not dangerous on its own. However, it can impact daily functioning and increase the risk of accidents or injuries.

Hangovers are caused by complex biological responses to alcohol. These causes include:

• Dehydration:Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine output and leads to fluid loss.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Along with fluids, alcohol depletes the body of essential salts and minerals.
• Low blood sugar: Alcohol interferes with glucose production, which can lead to fatigue and irritability.
• Toxin buildup: The body breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that contributes to nausea and vomiting.
• Inflammation: Alcohol triggers an inflammatory response that can affect mood and cognitive function.
• Sleep disruption: Even if you sleep after drinking, the quality of sleep is often poor and non-restorative.

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms too often after drinking, it may be a sign to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. Dependency on alcohol makes it hard for some individuals to stop drinking after starting, leading to more aggressive hangover symptoms each time they drink. This dependency can be a warning sign of alcoholism that may require a detox, inpatient or outpatient treatment program.

There are both mild and severe hangover symptoms that an individual may experience after drinking. These include:

• Headache
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Dizziness or shakiness
• Increased heart rate
• Poor concentration
• Anxiety or irritability
• Muscle aches
• Dry mouth and thirst

Frequent drinking and binge drinking can wreak havoc on the body. These symptoms may appear more frequently in individuals who abuse alcohol regularly.

Because each person’s body reacts to alcohol differently depending on a variety of factors like age and gender, hangover symptoms don’t always appear or last for the same amount of time. In addition, the amount of alcohol consumed, as well as how fast, influences hangover symptoms.

Generally, hangovers are often resolved in 24 hours. Some hangovers persist beyond 24-48 hours or occur even after moderate drinking. If they happen often, it may be time to evaluate your drinking habits and consult with a mental health or healthcare professional.

While the occasional hangover isn’t necessarily harmful, frequent hangovers can be a warning sign of deeper health issues or alcohol dependency. Repeated episodes of heavy drinking and recovery can stress the liver, leading to long-term liver damage or disease. It can also impair brain function and memory, as well as contribute to mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

Individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) who experience hangovers may have the tendency to continue drinking to cure those hangovers. This can lead to even more detrimental health risks like raised blood pressure and inflammation.

While there is no magic cure for a hangover, there are always ways to alleviate symptoms. Most importantly, individuals should hydrate with water or electrolytes. The body also may be lacking in nutrients, requiring meals rich in carbs and protein.

For those who experience hangovers often, treatment for alcohol addiction is available through Behavioral Health Centers.