How Long Does a Hangover Last? Understanding Symptoms and Relief

If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing drunkenness or a hangover, look at the icon next to your health bar, and compare it to the screenshot below. Really, though, the best way to get rid of a 2-day hangover is to avoid one in the first place. Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information. Explore the structured journey of addiction recovery with our comprehensive guide to rehab.

The timeline depends on several things

A hangover typically lasts anywhere from 12 to 36 hours, although it could last in some cases for up to 72 hours. Exactly how long a hangover can last will depend on several factors, such as the person’s tolerance of alcohol, how much they drank, when they stopped drinking, and what kind of alcohol was consumed. Hangovers take time to resolve, and there’s no instant cure, so arm yourself with patience. Focus on self-care, be kind to yourself, and allow your body the time it needs to fully recover.

How are hangovers diagnosed?

• If you have questions or need assistance, contacting your insurance provider directly can provide clarity on what is covered under your plan.
• Plus, alcohol can also lead to the development of polyps (benign growths) in the colon that have the potential to turn into colorectal cancer,’ says Dr Tang.
• When your body processes alcohol, one of the byproducts is acetaldehyde.

However, drinking more does often make for a more severe hangover, and severe hangovers usually last longer. It’s thought that dehydration is the source of many hangover symptoms, so the key to recovering as quickly as possible is rehydrating. But many factors — such as your biology and the amount of alcohol you’ve consumed — might affect how long your hangover lasts. From science-backed hangover recovery hacks to maximizing the health benefits of your favorite drinks, they dive into everything you need to know. Or you may wish to contact a private provider, like Priory, directly.

Drinking on an empty stomach

“Unless you can roll over and go back to sleep, it is advisable to not drink a lot if you need to be up the next day. Chances are, you will feel groggy and exhausted for the rest of the next day.” “The more you drink, the more likely you are going to feel these effects, and the longer you might take to recover.” MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat alcohol addiction. Drugs such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Inpatient treatment programs provide intensive therapy and medical care in a residential setting. You’ll receive 24-hour care and support from medical professionals.

Eight: alcohol interferes with restorative sleep patterns

There are no instant hangover cures, but doctors recommend waiting at least 48 hours before drinking again to give your body time to recover. They recommend doing this for everyone, regardless of the presence of a hangover. One of the easiest and most effective ways to treat a hangover is to hydrate with water or an electrolyte drink. For best results, you will want to hydrate before you start drinking, while you’re drinking and afterwards. Most people who get hangovers can diagnose themselves based on their alcohol consumption and symptoms.

Severe hangovers can lead to dehydration symptoms, upset stomach, and even low body temperature. Recognizing the symptoms and knowing how to reduce nausea, stop drinking early, and manage hangover cures like drinking water or fruit juice can make a significant difference. If hangovers begin to interfere with daily life, or if there are signs of alcohol use disorder or alcohol poisoning, it’s essential to seek help. By understanding the body processes alcohol and the impact of drinking heavily, you can how long can a hangover last take steps to ensure that your consumption of alcoholic drinks doesn’t lead to dangerous consequences. The best way to prevent hangovers is to avoid alcohol entirely or drink in moderation, giving the body plenty of time to process the alcohol before consuming more.

Health Conditions

• A hangover is when you have unpleasant physical and mental symptoms after drinking too much alcohol the previous night.
• The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are typically more intense and potentially life-threatening and they occur in people with alcohol dependence.
• If you’re in the throes of a monster hangover, relief can’t come soon enough.

Acetaldehyde is a highly toxic substance, even more so than alcohol itself. If alcohol is consumed faster than the body can metabolize it, the Substance abuse buildup of acetaldehyde may cause nausea, sweating, rapid heart rate, and flushing. The presence of food in the stomach reduces the rate of alcohol absorption into the blood. Slowing the rate of alcohol absorption will reduce the risk of a severe hangover. Even if you fell asleep after drinking, the chances are that it was not restorative. If you wake up exhausted after a night of drinking, taking more time to rest your body will help ease the discomfort.

Are hangovers dangerous?

The duration of a hangover varies, generally lasting from a few hours to up to 24 hours. Mild symptoms like headache and fatigue might improve with hydration, rest, and food within a few hours. More severe symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light, can persist for a day. Factors influencing hangover duration include the amount and type of alcohol consumed, hydration levels, sleep quality, and individual tolerance. Drinks with congeners, like red wine and dark spirits, can cause worse hangovers.