How to Get Rid of a Hangover: Friendly, Effective Cures That Actually Work

Woke up feeling like a cocktail shaker got the best of you? You're not alone. Whether you had one too many Margaritas or a round of Long Island Iced Teas turned into four, hangovers can hit hard. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back with practical, science-backed (and bartender-approved) ways to bounce back faster.

From hydration hacks to natural hangover remedies, here’s your guide to feeling human again.

💧 Step One: Hydrate Like You Mean It

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose more water and electrolytes than you take in—hence the desert-dry mouth and pounding headache. Your best bet? Replenish with water, coconut water, or sports drinks packed with electrolytes.

Pro Tip: Chug a glass of water before bed and first thing in the morning.

🍳 Eat a Real Breakfast (Yes, Even If You're Nauseous)

A greasy burger might sound good, but go for balance. A combo of carbs, protein, and healthy fats can help stabilize your blood sugar and boost your mood. Think eggs on toast, avocado, or a smoothie with bananas and oats.

Avoid super sugary foods—they can spike then crash your blood sugar, making things worse.

💤 Rest and Recover

Alcohol messes with your REM sleep, so even if you slept a long time, it probably wasn’t quality shut-eye. Let yourself nap or lounge guilt-free—rest is one of the most underrated hangover cures.

💊 Use Painkillers Wisely

If your hangover headache is pounding, ibuprofen or aspirin can help—but timing and moderation are key.

• Ibuprofen (Advil): Generally safe to take the next morning, once the alcohol has left your system. However, combining ibuprofen with alcohol can irritate your stomach lining and, in some cases, stress your kidneys. To minimize risks, take it with food and water, and avoid it if you have existing gastrointestinal or kidney issues.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Best to avoid when alcohol is still in your system. Both acetaminophen and alcohol are processed by the liver, and taking them together can increase the risk of liver damage, especially with regular alcohol consumption or higher doses of acetaminophen. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

Always follow dosing instructions and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about medication interactions.

🌿 Natural Hangover Remedies That Might Help

While not miracle cures, these can take the edge off:

• Ginger tea: Great for nausea
• Peppermint tea: Can ease headaches and stomach cramps
• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory support

🚫 Hangover Myths to Ignore

• “Hair of the dog” (drinking more alcohol): It delays recovery, not helps it.
• Coffee fixes everything: It’s a diuretic too. One cup is okay, but don’t overdo it.
• Greasy food cures hangovers: It's better before drinking, not after.

✅ How to Prevent a Hangover Next Time

The best hangover cure? Not needing one. Try these tricks:

• Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water to pace yourself and stay hydrated
• Avoid sugar bombs (looking at you, neon-colored shots)
• Eat a hearty meal before drinking
• Choose lower-ABV cocktails or explore mocktails

🍹 Final Sip

Hangovers are rough, but with these simple remedies, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Stay hydrated, eat right, and rest up—and maybe next time, go for a cocktail that’s naturally lower in alcohol, like an Americano, to keep things balanced without sacrificing flavor.

If symptoms linger or feel severe, don’t tough it out—check in with a healthcare provider.