Are you familiar with that feeling of intense pain, dizziness, and nausea after a night of drinking? The dreaded hangover. It’s an unpleasant reminder of the indulgence you had the previous day, leaving you regretting your choices and perhaps vowing to never drink again. But have you ever wondered if a hangover can actually be deadly?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at whether or not dying from a hangover is possible and what measures can be taken to prevent such tragedies for those who struggle with alcohol addiction. Whether you’re someone who enjoys an occasional drink or someone dealing with alcohol dependence, keep reading to learn more about this distressing topic.
What is a hangover?
A hangover happens when you drink too much alcohol, leading to symptoms like headache, tiredness, feeling sick, throwing up, feeling dizzy, having a higher body temperature, being sensitive to light and sound, and getting dehydrated.
A hangover is often a result of drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time or not drinking enough water while drinking alcohol, leading to dehydration. For instance, if you drink a bottle of red wine within a couple of hours, your body may not be able to process the large amount of alcohol and break it down into less harmful substances in time. This can cause an overload on your liver and lead to a hangover.
Can you die from a hangover?
No, you cannot die from a hangover alone. While a hangover can be extremely unpleasant and even feel like you’re dying, it is not fatal. A hangover will typically start six to eight hours after you stop drinking and can last up to 24 hours. In severe cases, symptoms may persist for longer periods of time.
However, this is not an excuse to practice excessive drinking because this can lead to dehydration and alcohol poisoning which can actually kill you!
While a hangover will not kill you, dehydration can be dangerous and even lead to death. It’s important to drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and eat a healthy meal to cure a hangover and minimize its symptoms. As long as you take care of yourself and stay hydrated, a hangover will eventually pass.
Many people are unaware that a hangover is not the only consequence of drinking too much. No matter how high your alcohol tolerance is, consuming too much alcohol in a short period of time can lead to serious health issues and even death.
What is alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is too much alcohol in the bloodstream for the liver to process efficiently. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, heart rate irregularities, low body temperature, and even unconsciousness.
These symptoms are similar to common hangover symptoms but are much more severe and can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms after excessive drinking, seek medical help immediately.
How to prevent a hangover and alcohol poisoning?
The best way to prevent a hangover and alcohol poisoning is by drinking responsibly. This means setting limits for yourself and sticking to them, as well as pacing your drinks and alternating with non-alcoholic beverages.
Remember that everyone metabolizes alcohol differently based on various factors such as genetics and overall health. Keeping track of your blood alcohol levels and blood sugar levels as well as staying hydrated can also help reduce the effects of excessive drinking on your body.
Generally, the body can only metabolize one standard drink (equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor) per hour. So if you’re downing those tequila shots one after the other, your body will have a hard time keeping up and this can lead to alcohol poisoning.
When we drink too much too fast, our bodies struggle to keep up with processing the toxins present in alcoholic beverages. This puts added stress on our immune systems and other vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
While it may be tempting to drink excessively during social gatherings or stressful times in our lives, it’s crucial for those in addiction recovery to prioritize their health above all else.
Best alcohol addiction treatment in Redlands, CA
Excessive drinking can have serious consequences on your body’s ability to function properly. Hangover and alcohol poisoning are just some of the immediate effects, but long-term excessive drinking can lead to addiction and other health complications such as liver disease, heart disease, and various cancers.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help can be a life-changing decision. At Liberty House Recovery, we offer comprehensive and personalized alcohol addiction treatment in Redlands, CA. Our programs are designed to help individuals overcome their addiction and build a healthy, sober life.
Call us today to get help with your alcohol use disorder.
