Hangovers are symptoms that occur due to drinking too much alcohol over a short period of time. Hangover symptoms can last 24 hours or longer. The severity and duration of symptoms may vary from person-to-person, and can include:
āAnxiety
Headaches
Fatigue
Increased blood pressure
Irritability
Muscle aches
Nausea
Stomach pain
Thirst
Vertigo
Weakness
Disrupted sleep
Gastrointestinal irritation
General inflammation
Mild dehydration
During a hangover, attention, decision-making, and muscle coordination may still be impaired, which can make it more difficult to perform day to day tasks (e.g., driving or operating machinery).
The best way to prevent hangover symptoms is not drinking alcohol or drinking in moderation by limiting intake to two drinks or less in a day for men or one drink or less in a day for women, on days when alcohol is consumed.
āāDrink water: Alternate alcoholic beverages with plain water to help prevent dehydration
Eat food: Don't drink on an empty stomach. Eat before drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol and rate of intoxication
Visit the Tips to Drink Less Alcohol page for strategies to use less alcohol and the Factors that Affect Intoxication page to learn of other factors to avoid.ā
For questions, please contact us at alcohol@cdph.ca.āgov.ā