The morning after a night of heavy drinking can be brutal. Headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration hit hard, leaving you desperate for relief. You might have heard that drinking more alcohol—a practice known as “hair of the dog”—can cure your hangover. But does this age-old remedy actually work, or is it making things worse?
This article explores the science behind the “hair of the dog” hangover cure, examines whether it provides genuine relief, and offers evidence-based alternatives for managing hangover symptoms.
Understanding the “Hair of the Dog” Concept
The phrase “hair of the dog” comes from the longer expression “hair of the dog that bit you.” This saying dates back centuries and is based on the ancient belief that the source of a problem can also be its solution.
When applied to hangovers, this remedy suggests consuming more alcohol when you’re feeling the effects of drinking too much the night before. The idea is that additional alcohol will alleviate symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and overall discomfort.
This practice is more common than you might think. Studies indicate that approximately 11% of social drinkers have tried using alcohol to combat hangover symptoms at least once in the past year. But popularity doesn’t necessarily mean effectiveness or safety.
The Science: Does It Actually Work?
While the “hair of the dog” method hasn’t been extensively studied in clinical settings, several scientific theories attempt to explain why it might temporarily reduce hangover symptoms.
Temporarily Elevates Blood Alcohol Concentration
Hangover symptoms typically peak when your blood alcohol concentration returns to zero. Your body is essentially going through alcohol withdrawal, even if you don’t have an alcohol use disorder.
When you drink more alcohol, your blood alcohol level rises again, which can temporarily mask withdrawal symptoms. However, this is merely delaying the inevitable. Once you stop drinking and your blood alcohol level drops back to zero, hangover symptoms will return—potentially with even greater intensity.
Triggers Endorphin Release
Alcohol consumption triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This endorphin boost creates temporary pleasurable sensations that can mask hangover discomfort.
Research demonstrates that alcohol does indeed increase endorphin levels in the short term. However, when you stop drinking, endorphin levels crash dramatically, which contributes to the negative feelings associated with hangovers. This cycle of endorphin spikes and crashes also plays a significant role in alcohol’s addictive properties.
Interferes with Toxin Production
Alcoholic beverages contain trace amounts of compounds called congeners, which are byproducts of the fermentation and aging process. These compounds are believed to contribute to hangover severity independent of alcohol content itself.
Methanol is one such congener commonly found in wine, beer, and certain spirits. Your body metabolizes methanol into toxic substances like formaldehyde and formic acid, which are associated with more severe hangover symptoms.
Here’s where the science gets interesting: alcohol and methanol compete for the same metabolic pathways in your body. When you consume more alcohol, it can actually slow down methanol metabolism, allowing more methanol to be excreted unchanged rather than converted into toxic compounds.
While this mechanism has some scientific merit, it’s important to understand that you’re simply adding more alcohol to your system that will eventually need to be processed. You’re not curing the hangover—you’re postponing it.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Trying This Remedy
Despite any temporary relief the “hair of the dog” might provide, health professionals strongly advise against this practice for several important reasons.
It Can Make Hangovers Worse
Research shows that hangovers actually become more severe over time during periods of sustained heavy drinking. By continuing to drink when hungover, you’re potentially setting yourself up for an even more intense hangover when you finally do stop.
Risk of Developing Unhealthy Drinking Patterns
Using alcohol to relieve hangover symptoms is associated with higher rates of alcohol abuse and dependence. This pattern of drinking to feel better normalizes using alcohol as a coping mechanism, which can lead down a dangerous path.
Studies have found that individuals who regularly use the “hair of the dog” method are more likely to develop problematic drinking behaviors and may be at increased risk for alcohol use disorder.
Doesn’t Address Underlying Dehydration and Nutrient Depletion
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and leads to dehydration. Drinking more alcohol when you’re already dehydrated only compounds this problem. Additionally, alcohol interferes with your body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, which your body needs to recover.
Which Alcoholic Beverages Cause Worse Hangovers?
If you’re trying to minimize hangover severity in the first place, the type of alcohol you consume does matter—though not as much as the quantity.
Darker spirits like whiskey, bourbon, and brandy contain higher levels of congeners compared to clear spirits. Studies have shown that people who drink bourbon experience more severe hangovers than those who consume the same amount of vodka, which has minimal congeners.
Red wine also contains high levels of congeners and additional compounds like histamines and tannins that can contribute to hangover symptoms.
Some research suggests that mixing alcohol with energy drinks may lead to more severe hangovers. The caffeine and other stimulants in energy drinks can mask alcohol’s depressant effects, potentially leading you to drink more than you otherwise would.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the total amount of alcohol consumed is by far the most significant factor in hangover severity. Drinking excessive amounts of any type of alcohol will likely result in a hangover.
Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing and Relieving Hangovers
Rather than reaching for more alcohol, try these scientifically-supported approaches to prevent and manage hangover symptoms:
Practice Moderation
The most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation or abstain entirely. Health guidelines define moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Keeping your blood alcohol level below 0.1% significantly reduces the likelihood of experiencing a hangover.
Stay Properly Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the primary contributors to hangover symptoms. Alternate between alcoholic beverages and water throughout the evening. Drink a full glass of water before bed and keep water nearby for when you wake up. Proper hydration won’t prevent a hangover entirely, but it can significantly reduce symptom severity.
Never Drink on an Empty Stomach
Eating food before and while drinking slows alcohol absorption, giving your body more time to metabolize it. Foods high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates are particularly beneficial. This strategy helps moderate your drinking pace naturally and reduces the spike in blood alcohol concentration.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Alcohol disrupts sleep quality, and sleep deprivation worsens hangover symptoms. Research indicates that getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep after drinking is associated with less severe hangovers. Create a comfortable sleep environment and avoid screens before bed to maximize sleep quality.
Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
Alcohol consumption can cause blood sugar fluctuations. Eating a balanced breakfast helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which may reduce feelings of nausea, shakiness, and weakness. Choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein to support your body’s recovery process.
Replenish Electrolytes
If you experienced vomiting or diarrhea, you’ve lost important electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Electrolyte-enhanced beverages, coconut water, or broths can help restore balance. These are particularly important if dehydration symptoms are severe.
Consider Pain Relief with Caution
If you’re considering pain relief for headache symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate options. Some pain relievers can interact negatively with alcohol or cause additional stomach irritation. Never take medication without understanding potential risks and interactions.
Support Your Body’s Recovery
Your body needs specific nutrients to metabolize alcohol efficiently. Eating nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins B and C, zinc, and selenium may support recovery, though more research is needed to confirm specific benefits. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most hangovers resolve on their own within 24 hours, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Seek help if you experience:
- Severe confusion or inability to wake up
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing (less than eight breaths per minute)
- Blue-tinged or pale skin
- Low body temperature
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping down liquids
These symptoms could indicate alcohol poisoning, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate professional treatment.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
If you find yourself regularly experiencing hangovers or frequently considering the “hair of the dog” remedy, it may be worth examining your relationship with alcohol. Regular heavy drinking and using alcohol to cope with the effects of previous drinking are warning signs of potentially problematic alcohol use.
Many resources are available if you’re concerned about your drinking patterns, including counseling services, support groups, and medical professionals who specialize in substance use. There’s no shame in seeking help, and early intervention can prevent more serious health consequences down the road.
The Bottom Line
The “hair of the dog” hangover cure is a myth that doesn’t hold up to scientific scrutiny. While drinking more alcohol might provide temporary symptom relief by delaying the inevitable, it doesn’t cure a hangover—it merely postpones it and potentially makes it worse.
More importantly, this practice carries significant risks, including the development of unhealthy drinking patterns and increased likelihood of alcohol abuse. Health professionals do not recommend this approach under any circumstances.
The only guaranteed way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation or abstain from alcohol entirely. If you do overindulge, focus on evidence-based recovery strategies like hydration, rest, nutritious food, and time. Your body will thank you in the long run.
Remember that occasional hangovers are your body’s way of telling you that you’ve consumed more alcohol than it can comfortably handle. Listen to these signals and make choices that support your long-term health and wellbeing.
Sources:
- National Institutes of Health – PubMed Central
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Alcohol and Public Health
- World Health Organization – Alcohol
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Dietary Guidelines
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, taking supplements, or starting any health regimen. Individual results may vary.