Myths and Facts about Alcohol Hangover Cures

Have you ever heard someone say they have a secret cure for a hangover? There are lots of myths about how to cure a hangover, but not all of them work. Let’s explore some common myths and find out what really helps if you’re feeling bad after drinking too much.

The Truth About Hangovers: What Really Works?

• Myth 1: Drinking coffee will cure a hangover. Many people think that drinking coffee will help cure a hangover. However, coffee is a diuretic, which means it makes your body lose more water. Since hangovers often involve dehydration, drinking coffee might actually make you feel worse. The best drink to help with dehydration is water or a sports drink to replenish electrolytes.
• Myth 2: Eating greasy food before drinking prevents hangovers. Some say that eating greasy food before drinking will line your stomach and help prevent a hangover. While it’s true that eating before drinking can slow down the absorption of alcohol, greasy food isn’t particularly helpful. It’s better to eat a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fats before you start drinking.
• Myth 3: Drinking more alcohol cures hangovers. The idea here is that when someone is experiencing a hangover, drinking more alcohol will relieve the hangover symptoms. This is a temporary fix at best. Drinking more alcohol can sometimes lessen the symptoms but it can also prolong the hangover and might lead to more dehydration and alcohol-related problems.
• Myth 4: Hangover pills are a guaranteed cure. There are many products marketed as hangover cures, but their effectiveness is not well-supported by scientific research. According to experts, there is no magic pill that can cure a hangover. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink alcohol in moderation— or not at all.
• Myth 5: The order of drinking different types of alcohol will affect a hangover. Have you ever heard the saying, “Beer before liquor, never sicker. Liquor before beer, never fear”? In reality, the amount of alcohol consumed is what matters, not the order. Generally, the more alcohol a person drinks, the worse the hangover will be. This is true regardless of whether a person drinks beer, wine, distilled spirits, or a combination of these.

If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly and know your limits. And if you do end up with a hangover, drinking plenty of water, resting, and eating a healthy meal can help your body recover.

Resources

Military OneSource
Support for Military Personnel & Families | Military OneSource is a DoD supported service offering 24/7 confidential support and specializes in helping military members, families, and veterans. Services are provided CONUS and OCONUS via call-in, live chat, and text on their website and mobile app.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
You may also call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free and confidential treatment referral and information service (provided in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Check out additional resources for Service members here.