What Are the Symptoms of a Hangover

What Are the Symptoms of a Hangover Addiction Alcohol Use Print The Symptoms of a Hangover Too Much Alcohol Causes Unpleasant Effects By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 12, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 19, 2020 Antony Nagelmann / Getty Images More in Addiction Alcohol Use Binge Drinking Withdrawal and Relapse Children of Alcoholics Drunk Driving Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery A hangover is a collection of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that occur after a session of heavy alcohol consumption. The severity of hangover symptoms can depend on many factors, such as how much alcohol was consumed and the type of alcohol. But hangovers are caused by only one thingâ€"drinking too much alcohol. How much is too much? Some people report hangover symptoms after consuming only two or three drinks, while some heavy drinkers never experience hangover symptoms at all. But for most people, the greater the amount of alcohol consumed and the longer the duration of alcohol consumption, the more severe the hangover symptoms. Common Hangover Symptoms According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a hangover can include some or all of the following class of symptoms:?? Constitutional: Fatigue, weakness, and thirst.Pain: A headache and muscle aches.Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.Sleep and Biological Rhythms: Decreased sleep, decreased deep sleep and increased slow-wave sleep.Sensory: Vertigo and sensitivity to light and sound.Cognitive: Decreased attention and concentration.Mood Related: Depression, anxiety, and irritability.Sympathetic Hyperactivity Symptoms: Tremor, sweating and increased pulse, and systolic blood pressure. The Intensity of Hangover Symptoms The intensity of these symptoms and the particular set of symptoms can vary from person to person and from occasion to occasion. A person might experience nausea and dizziness (the feeling that the room is spinning) on one occasion, but experience mainly headache symptoms the next occasion. Hangover symptoms usually begin within several hours after the drinking session ends when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) begins to fall. The symptoms usually peak at the time when the drinkers BAC returns to zero. Hangover symptoms can last from a few hours to up to 24 hours. Another Danger of Tying One On Excessive alcohol consumption can cause more than a general feeling of malaise the next day. Extreme alcohol consumption can cause acute alcohol poisoning which can be life-threatening. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include many of the same symptoms as a hangover, but they go far beyond a mere hangover.?? Alcohol poisoning symptoms can include: Difficulty remaining consciousPassing out and cant be awakenedVomiting while passed outConfusionSlow heart rate and bluish-colored skinCold to the touch and low body temperatureSeizuresVery slow or irregular breathing If you see anyone with the above symptoms after drinking, call 9-1-1 immediately. Stay with the person and try to turn them on their side so they do not choke on their own vomit. If they stop breathing entirely, begin CPR. Even if you dont see any of the above symptoms of alcohol poisoning, if the person is passed out and cannot be awakened, they could be at risk of dying. Seek medical help immediately. When Hangover Symptoms Become a Problem If you frequently experience hangover symptoms or your hangover symptoms have begun to affect you at school or work, you may have developed an alcohol use disorder. One symptom of alcohol use disorder is continuing to drink in spite of repeated negative consequences. If your hangovers have gotten to the point that they are negatively affecting your life, your relationships, or your ability to perform at school or work, you may want to consider seeking professional help or at least an evaluation. Is it a hangover or is it alcohol withdrawal symptoms? Take the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Quiz