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If you’re smart you no longer go there – but we’d bet that there are very few of you who have never felt the wrath of a serious hangover.
We’re not talking about just feeling a little off. A real hangover is brutal – a real hangover is unforgiving.
But hangovers can be eased with a little forethought and we’ve 10 pre-New Year’s Eve suggestions that might save you from that wild night out…
1) Don’t drink like a Viking– Clearly drinking too much has consequences. We drink for a living at ACB and have necessarily learned some moderation. We’re thankful that we have it in us- but some of you may not. And if moderation is something that quickly goes out the window when you drink then it’s time to get serious (and maybe a sponsor)…and yes, we’re not kidding!
2) Don’t drink on an Empty Stomach– C’mon this is hangover 101-We’re kinda embarrassed to even be bringing this up. Plan to start your New Year’s celebrations with preparatory cuisine.
3) Drink Water- As most of you know, from all those trips to the bathroom after a night of debauchery, alcohol is a diuretic – it causes dehydration – so replenishing the water in your system is crucial. Before you crash for the night (or morning), down 16 to 20 ounces of water. We know this might seem excessive – but drinking water before bed is the first line of defense to lessen the ire of a serious hangover.
4) Sleep and then sleep some more – We’ve all heard the saying “sleeping it off.” We’ll if you can- you need to. What’s the point of being conscience if you’re feeling half dead? Again, this is pretty basic.
5) Coffee– Sure a hot cup of expresso might help. But coffee’s effects are at best temporary and sometimes that caffeine rush can morph into headaches, so this one’s a personal call.
6) Hair of the Dog– Resuming drinking again to counteract alcohol’s effects is a seriously bad idea. Experts agree that taking this approach greatly increases the risk of abuse (yah think?) and points to even bigger problems – See #1.
7) Pain Medication- Sure they can help especially if you’ve a headache. But professionals advise that you stick to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (products such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), and warn against acetaminophen (Tylenol) which will only stress your already abused liver.
8) Greasy Food is not an Answer – Many of us crave greasy food when we‘re hung over. It seems almost medicinal – but unfortunately it’s a ruse. Maybe it settles your stomach a bit, but really it’s just greasy food. Why’s more important that you eat before you drink not after- See # 2
9) Exercise– While the whole “sweat it out thing” is essentially a myth, if you do work out hard enough, you’ll release endorphin into your system (basically another drug but in this case a good one) and it might boost your mood. And if you are exercising be sure that you’re drinking plenty of fluids at the same time- See #3 and See #4 while you’re at it!
10) Don’t drink like a Viking- This point bears repeating! If you can’t drink responsibly, don’t drink at all…and again, we’re not kidding.
