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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffThere are no surprises here. Despite various over-the-counter pills and tablets that claim to prevent hangovers, the only guaranteed way to prevent a hangover is to avoid alcohol. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. The less you drink, the less likely you are to have a hangover.
It may help to:
- Eat first. Alcohol is absorbed more quickly if your stomach is empty. It may help to drink a glass of milk before drinking alcohol. Milk slows the absorption of alcohol by coating the lining of your stomach.
- Take it slow. Drinking isn't a contest. Pace yourself. Limit yourself to just one drink each hour.
- Choose carefully. Beverages with fewer congeners — such as vodka and gin — are less likely to cause hangovers than do beverages with more congeners — such as brandy and whiskey. Carbonated drinks, such as champagne, and drink mixers, such as club soda, may deliver more alcohol to your bloodstream than noncarbonated mixers, such as fruit juice.
- Be consistent. Drinking more than one type of alcohol over the course of an evening can contribute to a hangover.
- Sip water between drinks. Drinking one glass of water after each alcoholic drink will help you stay hydrated. It'll also help you drink less alcohol.
- Keep it low-key. Smoking, loud music and flashing lights can contribute to hangover headaches.
Also know your limits. Decide ahead of time how many drinks you'll have — and stick to it. Don't feel pressured to drink.
Some people take aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as Advil, Motrin or others, to prevent hangover symptoms, but be sure to ask your doctor if this is safe for you to do and what dosage is best for you. These medications may interact with other medications, and in the case of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may cause liver damage if too much alcohol is consumed.
