Self-Care Pocket Guide • Hangovers
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:

Headache
Dry mouth
Heartburn, nausea/vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Fatigue or feeling sluggish
Body aches
Red eyes
Inability to concentrate

Self-Care Measures

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.
Take antacids for heartburn and acid indigestion.
Take 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-6 before and/or after you drink. This may help decrease hangover symptoms.
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

CALL THE UHS 24-HOUR NURSE ADVICE LINE 475-NURS (475-6877) IF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

CALL 911 OR GO TO A LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SIGNS OF ALCOHOL POISONING OCCUR:

Loss of consciousness (the inability to be roused when shaken).
Slow, shallow or irregular breathing.
Vomiting while unconscious.
Seizure-like activity (involuntary movements of any part of the body).
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. e-CHUG, an anonymous UHS Alcohol and Drug Education Program online service, gives you personalized and sometimes surprising feedback about your drinking.