The unpleasant symptoms of a hangover seem to remind you that there is no safe dose of alcohol. You want to get rid of this condition as soon as possible – all available, but often ineffective, methods are used. Together with a narcologist, we figure out how to help ourselves if we have drunk too much.
A hangover – the penalty for alcohol abuse – does not go away immediately. There are many methods to combat it, but not all are effective and safe. In this article we will share the recommendations of a narcologist and tips on how to get rid of a hangover if it does occur.
It is a set of symptoms that occur after drinking too much alcohol. One or two drinks won’t cause a hangover for most people, but the more a person drinks, the more likely they are to get one. When the concentration of ethanol in the blood is ＞1.1 ppm, a hangover cannot be avoided. It is impossible to say exactly how quickly and from what volume of drink the alcohol content in the body will reach this limit.
Unpleasant manifestations occur when the amount of alcohol in the body decreases and reach a maximum when its concentration approaches zero. This is due to the removal of breakdown products. A hangover lasts up to 24 hours or longer, but the duration varies for each person. The intensity is influenced by gender, body weight, type of drink, stomach fullness, and individual tolerance to alcohol. Even nationality can matter.
Dehydration
In large doses, alcohol blocks the production of vasopressin. This hormone regulates the amount of fluid secreted by the kidneys. Because of this, the body loses it, which leads to dehydration. Manifestations of a hangover include thirst, sweating, weakness, headache , and dizziness .
Gastrointestinal manifestations
Alcoholic drinks irritate the gastric mucosa, delay its emptying, and increase the secretion of hydrochloric acid. Therefore, a hangover is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea .
Headache
Associated with dehydration, vasodilation and the action of a toxic product of alcohol processing – acetaldehyde.
Causes of hangover
This condition occurs due to a complex of reasons, including:
- direct effect of alcohol;
- toxicity of alcohol metabolism products;
- dehydration of the body;
- compounds in alcoholic beverages (congeners, sulfites).
Proven ways to quickly get rid of a hangover
Only time will help you cope with unpleasant manifestations. But some actions will ease the symptoms to make the wait more comfortable.
1. Drink a lot
It is necessary to replenish fluid lost during vomiting or diarrhea, as well as vital microelements : potassium, magnesium, sodium. Prepare an oral rehydration solution or drink water, which you can add ginger to relieve nausea.
2. Take painkillers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are best for relieving headaches and muscle pain. But do not forget about their effect on the gastrointestinal tract: increased nausea and stool disorders are possible.
Taking any medication should be agreed with your doctor, and it is not recommended to overuse painkillers – they can mask serious illnesses.
For example, pain during acute myocardial infarction “fades” against the background of the action of an anesthetic drug, which is why seeking emergency help may occur too late.
3. Rest
Take a day off. Getting quality sleep will help you recover from drinking alcohol and cope with a hangover. Avoid vigorous physical activity, driving, operating hazardous equipment, or using personal weapons.
4. Eat carbs
Headache and weakness can be caused by low blood glucose levels due to alcohol. When you have a hangover, it is better to eat light food in small portions – for example, oatmeal, rye bread, boiled potatoes.
5. Drink coffee or tea
Caffeine, a stimulant for the nervous system, will help get rid of drowsiness and weakness. But when drinking such drinks, it is important to control blood pressure.