How to Prevent a Hangover

The simplest sure-fire way to avoid a hangover, guaranteed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water

1. *Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.*
   The absorption of ethyl alcohol is dependent on the rate of gastric emptying. This means that the more slow-digesting foods you eat before drinking, the slower you will absorb the alcohol. Fatty and protein-rich foods digest the slowest, so they work the best.

2. *Pace yourself.*
   Ethyl alcohol is absorbed at a constant rate independent of concentration, so one 12oz beer (5% ABV) consumed in a minute will get you just as drunk as one 1.5oz shot of vodka (40% ABV) consumed in a minute. Pacing yourself will make sure you achieve your desired level of inebriation without overshooting and barfing.

3. *Drink at least one 8oz non-alcohol drink for every three drinks.*
   This is the most important step. Ethyl alcohol inhibits the secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). This causes the body to lose water through increased urine production. Since a hangover is basically acute dehydration, drinking enough water to replace what is lost through urination will prevent any hangover symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the alcohol is in your blood stream, nothing will sober you up besides time or dialysis. No amount of vitamins, pain relievers, or food will help you.
• Food only helps to slow down absorption BEFORE you start drinking. Fatty foods on a full belly of alcohol rarely sit well.
• The amount of water you need can be imbibed in-between drinks or at the end of your drinking session. Just be sure to keep track of how much you need!
• If you must take an over-the-counter pain reliever, stay away from acetaminophen (Tylenol). Tylenol is extensively metabolized by the liver, as is alcohol. Taking the combination excessively can cause liver damage. Stick to ibuprofen (Advil).