Hangovers are the unpleasant aftermath of overindulging in alcohol. From headaches to nausea, these symptoms can make you regret your drinking choices. But many people believe in certain remedies or rules that are often more myth than fact. Here, experts break down six common hangover myths and what really works when it comes to recovery.
Myth 1: All hangovers are the same.
Hangovers aren’t one-size-fits-all. The severity of your hangover depends on factors like age, weight, gender, ethnicity, and even your health and medications. While one person might experience nausea and headaches after one drink, another may drink all night and feel only mildly tired the next day. Some people don’t experience hangovers at all—about 25% of those who drink to excess report no hangover symptoms.
Myth 2: Drinking water or hydration supplements will prevent a hangover.
While dehydration is one symptom of a hangover, it’s just one part of the puzzle. Alcohol also causes inflammation, irritates your stomach, disrupts sleep, and leads to low blood sugar. Products like sports drinks or vitamin supplements may keep you hydrated but won’t address all the other causes of a hangover. That said, drinking water throughout the night can help moderate your alcohol intake and reduce overall dehydration.
Myth 3: “Hair of the dog” can cure a hangover.
Some believe that drinking another alcoholic beverage the morning after will help ease a hangover, but it only delays the inevitable. Consuming more alcohol may mask symptoms temporarily, but it doesn’t fix the underlying issues. A hangover is like a mild form of alcohol withdrawal, and delaying the inevitable can make things worse once the alcohol wears off.
Myth 4: The order in which you drink matters.
You’ve probably heard the saying: “Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, in the clear.” But the truth is, the order of drinks doesn’t determine how bad your hangover will be. The real culprit is how much you drink. Starting with liquor might make you drunk faster, causing you to consume more alcohol in a shorter amount of time. Darker liquors like bourbon or brandy contain congeners, chemicals that can worsen a hangover, but the real key to hangover severity is the total amount of alcohol consumed.
Myth 5: Taking painkillers before bed will prevent a hangover.
It’s common to take pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin before bed to avoid a headache the next day, but this can be harmful. Mixing alcohol with these drugs increases your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. If you take acetaminophen (Tylenol), you run the risk of liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol. It’s safer to avoid painkillers before drinking, and if you’re hungover, be cautious about using them the next day.
Myth 6: Hangovers are purely physical.
While hangovers are known for their physical symptoms, they can also affect your mental health. After drinking, many people experience “hangxiety”—a mix of anxiety, irritability, and stress. This can happen even after just one drink, as alcohol affects your body’s adrenaline and dopamine levels. To reduce hangxiety, experts recommend mindfulness, meditation, and spending time with friends. If alcohol regularly causes stress or harm, it might be time to seek professional help.
Conclusion: The Best Cure Is Moderation
While there’s no magical cure for a hangover, moderation is key. The best way to avoid the worst symptoms is to drink in moderation and stay hydrated. If you do find yourself suffering from a hangover, time and rest are your best bet. And if alcohol is causing significant problems in your life, reaching out for help can make a big difference.
