Amid lively gatherings and clinking glasses, so-called “wisdom” about drinking often circulates—claims like “liquor before beer, you’re in the clear,” “red wine causes less severe hangovers,” or “coffee sobers you up.” But how scientifically valid are these age-old remedies? Let’s pull back the curtain on hangovers and debunk some deeply entrenched myths.
What Is a Hangover? The Body’s Warning Signal
A hangover refers to a collection of unpleasant symptoms that occur as blood alcohol concentration drops toward zero. It is not merely “being drunk,” but rather a complex physiological response to alcohol’s multiple effects on the body.
Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, thirst, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, depressed mood, poor concentration, and sleep disturbances. These typically begin several hours after drinking ends and can last up to 24 hours.
From a physiological perspective, hangovers result from multiple mechanisms:
● Dehydration (alcohol suppresses antidiuretic hormone)
● Gastrointestinal irritation (alcohol directly irritates the stomach lining)
● Poor sleep quality (alcohol disrupts REM sleep)
● Hypoglycemia (alcohol impairs glucose metabolism)
● Acetaldehyde accumulation (a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism)
7 Myths You Thought Would Help—But Actually Make It Worse
Myth 1: You Only Get a Hangover If You Drink a Lot
Many believe only heavy drinking leads to hangovers, but severity depends largely on individual tolerance, not just quantity. Genetics, body weight, gender, and drinking habits all influence susceptibility.
Science Insight: Alcohol metabolism is governed mainly by two enzymes: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Their activity varies among individuals. A practical tip is to alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages to reduce overall intake and slow dehydration.
Myth 2: Red Wine Prevents Hangovers
Red wine is often seen as “gentler,” but its tannins may trigger headaches. More importantly, dark-colored drinks typically contain higher levels of congeners—chemicals produced during fermentation that can worsen hangovers.
Science Insight: Congener-rich drinks (e.g., whiskey, tequila, brandy, red wine) are more likely to cause severe hangovers than those with fewer congeners (e.g., vodka, gin, light beer). Methanol, one congener, is metabolized into toxic formaldehyde and formic acid, increasing liver strain. Opt for clear spirits to reduce risk.
Myth 3: Liquor Before Beer Prevents Hangovers
The saying “Beer before liquor, never sicker; liquor before beer, you’re in the clear” lacks scientific backing. Research shows drinking order matters little—total alcohol consumed is what counts.
Science Insight: The concept of a standard drink is key. One 350ml beer, 150ml wine, and 45ml shot each contain ~10–14g pure alcohol. Tracking total alcohol intake is more effective than counting “drinks.”
Myth 4: Women Get Hangovers More Easily
It’s often said men handle alcohol better, and science supports this. Women generally have less active alcohol-metabolizing enzymes (ADH) and lower levels of the antioxidant glutathione, slowing alcohol breakdown.
Science Insight: Women also have lower body water content, leading to higher blood alcohol concentration. Aging further reduces alcohol metabolism, increasing hangover severity in older adults.
Myth 5: Coffee Cures Hangovers
Coffee’s energizing effect is mistaken for sobering power. But caffeine doesn’t metabolize alcohol—it may worsen dehydration via diuresis.
Science Insight: Caffeine constricts blood vessels, potentially intensifying headaches. Regular caffeine users may avoid withdrawal headaches, but hydration and electrolyte replenishment remain most effective.
Myth 6: Painkillers Before Bed Prevent Hangovers
Taking painkillers preemptively is ineffective and risky. Most act within 15–30 minutes and last 4–6 hours—wearing off before waking.
Science Insight: It’s safer to take painkillers upon waking if needed. Avoid acetaminophen due to liver strain; NSAIDs like ibuprofen are better but shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol to avoid gastric bleeding.
Myth 7: Flushing After Drinking Is a Good Sign
The belief that flushing indicates “good circulation” is dangerously wrong. Flushing signals ALDH2 enzyme deficiency, impairing breakdown of toxic acetaldehyde.
Science Insight: Acetaldehyde is a Group 1 carcinogen. Accumulation causes flushing and raises risks of esophageal, oral, and other cancers. Up to 30–50% of East Asians have ALDH2 deficiency—these individuals should avoid alcohol.
Science-Backed Ways to Ease a Hangover
So what actually works? Evidence-based strategies include:
— Hydrate with water or electrolyte-rich drinks before and after drinking
— Eat beforehand to slow alcohol absorption
— Prioritize quality sleep for recovery
— Replenish nutrients: B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium may help
— Be patient—most symptoms resolve within 24 hours
Prevention remains best: men should limit intake to ≤2 standard drinks per day, women to ≤1. A hangover is the body’s signal to drink mindfully. Understanding your limits and respecting your body’s responses is the true wisdom of drinking.
