Many people believe that drinking more alcohol in the morning, also known as the “hair of the dog” method, is an effective way to improve one’s condition after consuming too much alcohol. We conducted an investigation to determine whether this method can actually alleviate a hangover.
Two distinct conditions are often referred to as “hangover“: the aftermath of alcohol intoxication, which occurs when a person consumes too much alcohol, and mild withdrawal symptoms (also known as withdrawal syndrome), which occurs when a person with addiction experiences discomfort due to alcohol withdrawal. The symptoms of both conditions are similar, including nausea, headache, vomiting, and a depressed psychological state. Hallucinations and seizures can occur in cases of withdrawal.
First, let’s explore alcohol intoxication. While the exact mechanisms behind hangover symptoms remain unknown, researchers have identified several possible causes. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to dehydration, stomach irritation, and gastrointestinal disturbances. It also affects liver metabolism, resulting in lower blood sugar levels and disrupts sleep and biological rhythms. Moreover, alcohol is viewed as a toxin by our bodies, causing the immune system to attempt to eliminate it, resulting in symptoms such as increased sweating and nausea.
Hangover symptoms typically arise when the concentration of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream reaches zero. It may seem logical that consuming more alcohol would raise the level of alcohol in the bloodstream, thereby alleviating the hangover. However, this measure only serves to delay the hangover, not cure it. Eventually, the additional alcohol will be metabolized by the body, and the hangover will return. In fact, the severity of hangover symptoms can be exacerbated upon their return. Research conducted by scientists from Aarhus University in Denmark found that the severity of symptoms is influenced not only by the amount of alcohol consumed but also by the duration of the drinking period. In a study of 112 Danish vacationers, researchers assessed their alcohol consumption and the severity of their hangovers three times over a week and found that the severity of symptoms increased as their week-long vacation, accompanied by frequent alcohol consumption, progressed. Researchers from Brown University in the USA share this view, adding that deciding to sober up can lead to further alcohol consumption, also known as a binge.
Congeners are present in many types of alcohol, and they are byproducts of ethanol production. These substances give drinks their color, taste, and aroma. Methanol is a type of congener that, in high concentrations, can cause severe poisoning and even lead to blindness or death. Therefore, drinks containing higher amounts of methanol tend to produce stronger intoxication. Generally, darker drinks contain more methanol (although still relatively safe amounts) than lighter drinks (for example, brandy contains 4766 mg/L of methanol, while vodka contains only 102 mg/L). Ethanol is an effective treatment for methanol poisoning, so some amount of alcohol may reduce the severity of hangover symptoms. However, we could not find any high-quality research or recommendations from authoritative medical organizations suggesting the use of alcohol to treat alcohol poisoning.
Additionally, there is a lack of clinical recommendations for treating hangovers caused by intoxication. In 2005, an international group of scientists conducted a review of existing studies on the effectiveness of various remedies that were then considered a hangover cure, but found no evidence that they actually work. The scientific papers included in the review examined food supplements with plant extracts (such as burdock, artichoke, and prickly pear), yeast, fructose, glucose, and other substances. The scientists ultimately concluded that the best way to avoid hangovers is by practicing moderation in alcohol consumption.
Authoritative medical organizations recommend waiting until the hangover passes naturally, as there is no known cure for it. For instance, experts from the Mayo Clinic, a large independent research center in the US, suggest that the only effective remedy for a hangover is time. However, pain relievers, foods that increase blood sugar levels, and drinking plenty of water can help alleviate the symptoms. Similarly, experts from Harvard Medical School advise that while alcohol consumption is a popular folk remedy for relieving symptoms, it will only delay the inevitable, not cure the hangover. Doctors from the Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit medical research center, also recommend water and time as the best remedies for a hangover. They caution against consuming more alcohol to alleviate symptoms, as it may provide temporary relief but prolong the period of discomfort.
In contrast to the unknown causes of hangover symptoms, the causes of withdrawal syndrome are well understood by scientists. Prolonged exposure to the depressant effects of ethanol, which is present in alcoholic beverages, leads to dependence on the central nervous system (CNS). When alcohol consumption is stopped, the CNS becomes overstimulated, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. While taking a dose of alcohol can temporarily alleviate these symptoms, this approach only maintains the dependence and does not address the underlying cause of alcoholism. Therefore, seeking professional help is necessary to effectively address alcohol addiction.
An effective treatment for hangover symptoms has not been found yet since the specific mechanisms are unclear. To avoid unpleasant consequences, one must reduce the amount of alcohol consumed. If that is no longer possible, one must simply endure the hangover. Alleviating symptoms can be done with pain relievers, food, water, and rest. However, for individuals who chronically abuse alcohol and experience a hangover as a withdrawal syndrome, a dose of alcohol can indeed relieve withdrawal symptoms. Medical assistance is needed not to relieve symptoms, but to treat alcohol dependence.
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