A hangover is a group of undesirable and uncomfortable signs and symptoms that may develop after drinking too much over time. Generally, the more alcohol you consume, the higher your likelihood of having a hangover the next day. However, there’s no way to know exactly how much you can safely drink and still avoid a hangover.
What Causes a Hangover?
The short answer is that hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol. Unfortunately, a single alcoholic drink may be enough to trigger a hangover for some individuals, while others may drink heavily and get away without getting a hangover at all. Before we can answer “What is a hangover?” let’s look at the many factors that may contribute to a hangover.
5 Hangover Risk Factors
As mentioned, anyone can experience a hangover. But some individuals are more likely to have a hangover than others. A genetic variation that affects the way alcohol is processed in the body may cause some people to flush, sweat, or be sick after drinking a small amount of alcohol. For most people, factors that make a hangover more likely or more severe include:
Typical Hangover Symptoms
It may feel neverending, but most hangovers go away on their own within 24 hours. Hangover symptoms usually begin when your blood alcohol content drops substantially and is at or near zero. They usually reach their full effect the morning after a night of heavy drinking. Depending on what and how much you drink, you will probably notice these symptoms:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Dry mouth and excessive thirst
- Head and muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Sleep problems
- Increased light and sound sensitivity
- A sense of the room spinning or dizziness
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood issues like depression, anxiety, and irritability
- Shakiness
- Rapid heartbeat
Complications
When you’re hungover, you will probably have memory, dexterity, and concentration problems. This temporary dulling of your abilities increases the risk of:
- Absenteeism
- Trouble completing assignments
- Conflict with others
- Sleeping on the job or at school
- Injury at work
Hangovers from a single night’s drinking go away on their own. However, you should talk to a medical professional if you’re concerned that frequent heavy drinking can lead to serious alcohol withdrawal. Also, if regular hangovers are affecting your quality of life, including personal relationships or work performance.
What’s the Difference Between a Hangover and Withdrawal?
Many people wonder “Is a hangover alcohol withdrawal?” No. Alcohol withdrawal is a condition that happens to a person who drinks regularly and then stops.
It shouldn’t be confused with a hangover, which can happen to people who drink casually on occasion. Alcohol withdrawal happens when a chronic drinker suddenly cuts down their consumption of alcohol or stops completely. On the other hand, you can experience a hangover whether you’re an alcoholic or a light drinker after heavy consumption of alcohol.
How Much Is Too Much?
If you believe you might have experienced alcohol withdrawal, you may wonder where you are on the spectrum of light, moderate, or heavy drinking. “Too much” depends on an individual’s sex, age, and weight but there are a few general rules.
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Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.