How to Get Rid of a Hangover: What Actually Works

First, an important distinction

Some things can ease your symptoms. Nothing except time removes alcohol from your body. You may feel better after water and breakfast and still have alcohol in your blood the next morning — which matters if you plan to drive.

Things that may help symptoms

Drink water

Alcohol makes you lose fluid. Sip water steadily rather than gulping a lot at once.

Replace electrolytes

An oral rehydration drink, broth or a sports drink can help if you feel weak or have been sick.

Eat if you can

Bland foods like toast, bananas, rice or soup can settle your stomach and raise low blood sugar.

Rest and sleep

Alcohol disrupts sleep. A nap or a slow morning is one of the most effective recovery tools.

Managing a headache

A common over-the-counter painkiller can help. Avoid paracetamol (acetaminophen) after heavy drinking, as the combination can stress the liver — check with a pharmacist if unsure.

Managing nausea

Small sips of water, ginger tea and plain crackers are gentle options. Rest in a cool, quiet room.

Things that don't really work

• More alcohol ("hair of the dog") only delays the hangover and adds more alcohol to process.
• Coffee can make you feel more alert, but it doesn't lower BAC and may worsen dehydration.
• Cold showers wake you up — they don't sober you up.
• Supplements and "hangover cures" mostly have little solid evidence behind them.

How long does a hangover last?

Most hangovers fade within 24 hours, peaking when BAC returns to around zero. Heavy drinking can mean a longer recovery.

When it may be more than a hangover

Get medical help if someone has confusion, repeated vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, very pale or bluish skin, or can't be woken up. These can be signs of alcohol poisoning.

Driving the morning after

Many people are still over the limit the next morning. An estimate of when you'll be sober is a useful guide, but if there is any doubt, don't drive. Next time, try these prevention tips.