What is a Hangover and Can It Be Cured?

The Full Story

Have you ever felt nauseated or had a headache the day after drinking a few glasses of beer, wine, or liquor? If so, it’s likely that your symptoms were due to an alcohol hangover. There is no precise definition of hangover, and the condition is best described as the presence of unpleasant signs or symptoms that occur hours after the consumption of alcohol. There are numerous signs and symptoms associated with alcohol hangovers, including fatigue, headache and nausea. Some people may also experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, heart palpitations, dizziness, vertigo, or sensitivity to light and sound. Because these signs and symptoms interfere with one’s ability to function normally, hangovers are a significant cause of decreased productivity at home and at work. Frequent episodes of alcohol hangover are associated with depression and increased risk of death.

Hangovers can have multiple effects on the human body. Since alcohol causes our bodies to lose fluids through increased urine output, many hangovers are associated with dehydration. Alcohol also causes irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Alcohol consumption can affect our sleep quality. Even though many people fall asleep after drinking alcohol, the sleep quality is frequently poor after alcohol consumption. Since many people are tired the day after drinking alcohol due to poor-quality sleep, fatigue may also affect the severity, and duration of hangover symptoms. 

Some people think that the type of alcohol can contribute to hangovers. Congeners, which are compounds produced during the processing or fermentation of alcohol, contribute to the taste, smell, and color of alcoholic beverages. Congeners are present in higher amounts in darker-colored liquors (such as whiskey or brandy) than in lighter-colored liquors (such as gin or vodka). Some research suggests that the presence of congeners in alcohol may contribute to hangovers, and for this reason some scientists believe that gin and vodka cause fewer hangovers than whiskey or brandy. However, it is important to know that any type of alcohol can cause a hangover if consumed in a large enough amount.

The true cause of hangovers is unknown. Since a hangover tends to occur after drinking, when an individual’s blood alcohol content is decreasing or even zero, the breakdown products of alcohol may play a role in the development of hangover. When alcohol is metabolized in our bodies, it forms a chemical called acetaldehyde. Some researchers think that acetaldehyde may contribute to the development of hangovers. Since some people seem to be more prone to hangovers than others, there may be a genetic role in the development of hangover. Some people experience a “flushing response” after consuming alcohol. This is characterized by facial flushing, a rapid heart rate, and sleepiness, and is thought to occur secondary to a genetic alteration that causes acetaldehyde to build up in the body. Certain populations, such as East Asians, are more likely to have this genetic variant, and thus may be more likely to experience hangovers after drinking alcohol. Other individual factors, such as certain personality traits and a family history of alcoholism, may impact one’s risk for hangover development, although the reasons for this are unclear. 

Since the exact cause of hangover is unknown, there is no cure for this condition. Myths such as “hair of the dog” and “beer before liquor” are unproven methods of reducing the incidence or severity of hangovers. Drinking coffee, taking showers, and taking painkillers before drinking are also not proven to be effective in preventing or treating hangovers. Many dietary supplements are marketed as treatments for hangover, including vitamin B1, vitamin B6, milk thistle extract, and N-acetylcysteine. These products are often sold online, and may also be dispensed from mobile hangover clinics or buses in some states. Because same-day home delivery is an enticing option for people who are experiencing hangover symptoms and feel too ill to drive to a hospital or pharmacy, these products have surged in popularity recently. Unfortunately, some of these hangover treatments may actually contain excessively high levels of vitamins or other ingredients and can be potentially poisonous because of this. Additionally, there is little evidence to support the effectiveness or safety of these products in treating hangover. In 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to several companies for selling unapproved products for the treatment of hangover. Due to these factors, people should use caution when using dietary supplements for the prevention or treatment of hangover. Overall, the easiest, safest, and least expensive way to avoid a hangover is to avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol.

Does milk thistle cure a hangover?

Along with vitamins such as B1 and B6, milk thistle extract is commonly marketed for the treatment of alcohol hangover. The main ingredient found in milk thistle, Silybum marianum, is reported to have protective effects against certain types of liver diseases. However, neither Silybum marianum nor milk thistle extract have been proven to cure an alcohol hangover. 

If you or a loved one develops unwanted signs or symptoms after exposure to alcohol, get help from Poison Control immediately. Get a fast personalized recommendation online or call 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD
Medical Toxicologist