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Hangovers
Overview
Drinking too much
of any alcoholic beverage will cause a hangover. Additionally,
dark or colored alcohols have small amounts of toxic substances
called “congeners” that are created during fermentation.
Congeners contribute to the likelihood of getting a hangover and
to its severity. “Purer” alcohols, like gin or vodka, have fewer
congeners than alcohols like whiskey, red wine and tequila. What
is “too much” alcohol varies among people and is affected by the
body’s ability to break down alcohol and its byproducts. Gender,
weight, age, and overall health status also help determine how
much is “too much” alcohol.
Alcohol is a
diuretic, making you urinate more. This can lead to dehydration
which can cause electrolyte imbalances and lower blood sugar
levels. Alcohol is toxic to your liver and brain and is
irritating to your stomach and gastrointestinal tract. These
effects all contribute to hangover symptoms which can last up to
24 hours.
Like any toxin,
ingesting enough alcohol can kill—depressing your respiratory
system to the point of coma and death.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Headache
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Dry mouth
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Heartburn, nausea/vomiting, and/or diarrhea
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Fatigue or feeling sluggish
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Body aches
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Red eyes
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Inability to concentrate
Self-Care Measures
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Take an OTC analgesic for headache. One with acetaminophen,
taken only as directed, should be safe for most people.
Analgesics with aspirin or ibuprofen may further irritate
your already irritated stomach and should be taken with food
and not on an empty stomach.
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Take antacids for heartburn and acid indigestion.
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Take 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-6 before and/or after you
drink. This may help decrease hangover symptoms.
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Drink at least 8 ounces of non-carbonated, non-caffeinated
liquid per hour while and after you drink. Drink lots of
water, but also include fruit juices and/or sports drinks.
They raise blood sugar levels and help replenish lost
electrolytes and vitamins.
Red Flags
Check in with the
nurse if there is..
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Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
CALL 911 OR GO TO A
LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SIGNS OF ALCOHOL
POISONING OCCUR:
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Loss of consciousness (the inability to be roused when
shaken).
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Slow, shallow or irregular breathing.
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Vomiting while unconscious.
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Seizure-like activity (involuntary movements of any part of
the body).
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Pale or bluish skin color.
e-CHUG: Self-Screening and
Information Online
How many calories
do you take in from alcohol? What is your typical blood alcohol
level when you drink? How does your drinking compare to that of
other students?
Check out e-CHUG (electronic CHeck-Up to Go). If anyone has
ever criticized your drinking, you’ve had memory lapses when
drinking, you’ve broken promises to yourself or others about how
much you’ll drink, or your academic or work performance and/or
relationships have been hurt because of your drinking,
definitely check out e-CHUG.
Go to Health Center Information
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