Being drunk refers to the state of intoxication that occurs when alcohol consumption overwhelms the body’s ability to process it, affecting brain and body functions. This can lead to impaired judgment, coordination issues, and slurred speech. A hangover describes the unpleasant physiological and psychological effects that appear hours after drinking, typically when blood alcohol levels approach zero. There is no instant remedy for intoxication or its after-effects. Instead, the focus is on managing symptoms and supporting the body’s natural recovery processes.
Reducing Immediate Effects of Alcohol
To mitigate alcohol’s immediate intoxicating effects, several actions can be taken while or shortly after drinking. Drinking water between alcoholic drinks is beneficial because alcohol acts as a diuretic. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water helps counteract dehydration.
Consuming food before and during drinking can slow alcohol absorption. On an empty stomach, alcohol is absorbed quickly. Eating a meal, especially one rich in protein, fat, and carbohydrates, delays this process. This slowed absorption can reduce peak blood alcohol concentration, leading to less intense intoxication. Pacing alcohol consumption by drinking slowly also gives the liver more time to metabolize alcohol, which is processed at a constant rate.
Alleviating Hangover Symptoms
Managing hangover symptoms involves strategies that support the body’s recovery. Rehydration is a primary step, as alcohol’s diuretic effect causes fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages helps replenish lost fluids and essential minerals.
Pain relief can address headaches and muscle aches. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Avoid acetaminophen when alcohol is still in the system, as the combination can strain the liver. Rest is crucial, as alcohol interferes with sleep quality. Consuming mild, bland foods, such as toast or crackers, can help stabilize low blood sugar and soothe gastric irritation, while fruits provide natural sugars and vitamins.
Hangover symptoms stem from several physiological changes. Dehydration, caused by alcohol’s diuretic action, leads to thirst, fatigue, and headaches. Alcohol also triggers an inflammatory response, contributing to body aches. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and increases stomach acid production, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Debunking Common “Cures”
Many popular remedies for drunkenness or hangovers lack scientific backing and can be counterproductive. The notion of “hair of the dog,” which involves drinking more alcohol the morning after, does not cure a hangover. While it might temporarily alleviate symptoms by delaying the body’s withdrawal process, it only prolongs the presence of alcohol’s toxic byproducts in the system and can worsen the eventual hangover.
Drinking coffee for a hangover might provide temporary alertness, but it is a diuretic itself and can exacerbate dehydration, which is already a contributing factor to hangover symptoms. Coffee does not speed up the metabolism or elimination of alcohol from the body. Similarly, taking a cold shower may offer a jolt of alertness, but it does not address the underlying physiological causes of a hangover, such as dehydration or the presence of toxins. Greasy foods, often sought after during a hangover, do not absorb alcohol or speed up its metabolism; in fact, they can further irritate an already sensitive stomach.
Recognizing Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms can include confusion and stupor, vomiting, and seizures. Other indicators are slow or irregular breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute or pauses longer than 10 seconds), cold, clammy, or bluish-tinged skin, and a low body temperature. An individual may also have a slow heart rate or difficulty remaining conscious, progressing to unresponsiveness.
If alcohol poisoning is suspected, call emergency services immediately. Do not leave the person alone, as they could choke on vomit due to a suppressed gag reflex. While waiting for help, turn the person on their side into the recovery position to prevent aspiration. Keep them warm with a blanket if their body temperature is low. Do not attempt to give them food or drink if they are unconscious or try to induce vomiting. The person will not simply “sleep off” alcohol poisoning; medical intervention is essential for recovery.