Common Myths About Hangovers
Some common ideas about hangovers sound convincing, but NIAAA explains that they are myths. These cards separate the myths from the facts.
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Trusted facts about alcohol, addiction, health, support, stigma, and recovery. Click any card below to jump to the full fact, source, and link.
Coffee or a Shower Does Not Cure a Hangover
A common myth is that drinking coffee or taking a shower can prevent or cure a hangover. These things may make someone feel more awake for a short time, but they do not remove alcohol from the body or cure the hangover.
NIAAA explains that there is no cure for a hangover other than time.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The Only Real Cure for a Hangover Is Time
Hangovers can be uncomfortable, but the body needs time to process alcohol and recover. NIAAA explains that the only way to completely avoid a hangover is not to drink alcohol at all or to keep alcohol intake to a minimum.
There is no quick fix that makes a hangover disappear immediately.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The Order of Drinks Does Not Prevent a Hangover
Some people believe that the order of drinks can prevent a hangover, such as the old saying about beer before liquor. NIAAA explains that, in general, the more alcohol a person drinks, the worse the hangover is likely to be.
This applies whether the alcohol comes from beer, wine, spirits, or a mixture of drinks.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The More Alcohol a Person Drinks, the Worse the Hangover Is Likely to Be
Hangovers are linked to how much alcohol a person drinks. NIAAA explains that, in general, the more alcohol a person drinks, the worse the hangover will be.
This makes the amount of alcohol more important than the type or order of drinks.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
“Hair of the Dog” Can Prolong Hangover Symptoms
Some people believe that having another alcoholic drink the morning after drinking can help avoid or cure a hangover. This is sometimes called “hair of the dog.”
NIAAA explains that while this might temporarily reduce some symptoms, it can contribute to and prolong the general unwell feeling and other hangover symptoms.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Cravings Pass
Cravings can feel overwhelming in the moment, but they do not last forever. Many people in recovery describe cravings as waves that build, peak, and then gradually fade away. Learning to delay a reaction, distract yourself, or reach out for support can help you ride out the urge without acting on it.
Courtesy of HSE Addiction Services
Recovery Is Rarely a Straight Line
Recovery is rarely a straight line. Many people experience setbacks, periods of stagnation, and even relapse before moving forward again. Recovery is often described as a lifelong journey rather than a destination, requiring ongoing effort, self-awareness, and growth.
Recovery also affects more than substance use alone. It can improve physical health, relationships, confidence, finances, and overall wellbeing. Because every person's circumstances are different, no two recovery journeys look exactly the same.
Courtesy of Never Alone Recovery
People Often Overestimate Peer Alcohol and Cannabis Use
Many young people overestimate how much alcohol or cannabis their peers use. Research suggests that correcting these misconceptions can influence attitudes towards substance use and reduce risky behaviours, including driving under the influence or riding with an impaired driver.
Researchers found that a short, non-judgemental educational intervention delivered alongside driver education could help challenge beliefs about substance use and encourage safer decision-making. The approach focused on personal choice, accurate information, and practical strategies for staying safe.
Courtesy of Recovery Research Institute
Repeated Drug Use Can Change How Rewards Feel
Many people initially use drugs because they produce pleasurable feelings. However, repeated use can change how the brain responds to rewards. Over time, activities that were once enjoyable may become less satisfying, while the urge to use the drug becomes stronger. In some cases, people find themselves using the drug simply to feel normal rather than to feel good.
Courtesy of National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Alcohol Can Affect Development Before Birth
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a term used to describe a range of physical, behavioural, and cognitive difficulties that can occur when a baby is exposed to alcohol before birth. The effects can vary from person to person and may not become obvious until later in childhood, but they can last throughout life.
Research shows that alcohol can interfere with the development of a baby's brain and other organs at any stage of pregnancy, including before a person realises they are pregnant. While binge drinking and heavy drinking increase the risk of severe harm, researchers have not identified a safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy without risk.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Alcohol Dependence and Alcohol Abuse Are Not the Same Thing
Alcohol dependence occurs when a person continues drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, insomnia, mood changes, or cravings. Alcohol abuse, on the other hand, refers to continued excessive drinking despite negative consequences such as health problems, relationship difficulties, legal issues, or problems at work.
Modern medical guidelines now group both conditions under the term "Alcohol Use Disorder" (AUD), which exists on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe. This change reflects the understanding that alcohol problems can be serious even when physical dependence is not present.
Courtesy of Verywell Mind
Support Matters
Recovery does not have to be a journey taken alone. Whether support comes from family, friends, recovery groups, counsellors, or treatment services, having people to talk to can make difficult periods easier to manage. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Courtesy of Drugs.ie
People Do Not Choose to Become Addicted
People do not choose to become addicted. Research shows that addiction is influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, and life experience factors. Genetics, stress, early exposure to substances, isolation, trauma, and social influences can all affect a person's risk of developing addiction.
This helps explain why addiction cannot simply be overcome through willpower alone. Like many other health conditions, addiction develops through a complex interaction of risk factors that differ from person to person.
Courtesy of Alcohol and Drug Foundation (Australia)
Supervised Consumption Sites Can Connect People to Support
Supervised Consumption Sites are often discussed as a way to prevent overdose deaths, but they also provide access to healthcare, social services, wound care, mental health support, and addiction treatment referrals. Many people who use these services would otherwise have little contact with healthcare professionals.
According to Canadian data, there were more than 60,000 overdose events recorded at supervised consumption sites between 2017 and 2024, with no onsite fatalities reported. Researchers also found that these sites can reduce public drug use and help connect people to additional support services.
Courtesy of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)
Alcohol Is a Recognised Cause of Cancer
Many people are aware of the link between smoking and cancer, but fewer realise that alcohol is also a recognised cause of cancer. Research shows that drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, oesophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast.
According to the CDC, all alcoholic drinks increase cancer risk, including beer, wine, and spirits. Drinking less alcohol reduces this risk.
Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
An Alcohol Blackout Is Not the Same as Passing Out
An alcohol blackout is not the same as passing out. During a blackout, a person can remain awake, hold conversations, and continue interacting with others, but their brain is temporarily unable to form new memories.
Blackouts occur when alcohol interferes with the brain's ability to transfer information into long-term memory. In severe cases, entire hours of events may be permanently lost, even though the person appeared conscious at the time.
Courtesy of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Heavy Alcohol Exposure Can Affect Brain-Cell Energy
Alcohol does more than affect judgement and memory. Research suggests that heavy alcohol exposure can disrupt the function of mitochondria — the tiny structures inside cells that produce the energy needed for brain cells to communicate and form memories.
Scientists believe this disruption may contribute to learning difficulties, memory problems, inflammation, and other cognitive changes associated with excessive alcohol use.
Courtesy of Drug and Alcohol Dependence Journal
The Gut and Brain Are Constantly Communicating
Your gut and brain are constantly communicating with each other. Most people think stress affects the stomach, but the connection works both ways. Signals from the gut can also influence mood, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing.
Researchers have found that a troubled gut can send distress signals to the brain, while stress, anxiety, and depression can affect how the digestive system functions. This two-way communication is often called the "gut-brain connection."
Courtesy of Harvard Health Publishing
Language Can Affect Whether People Seek Help
Research suggests that stigma can be a barrier to recovery. People with substance use disorders often face negative stereotypes and discrimination, which can discourage them from seeking treatment or support.
Studies have also shown that language matters. Terms such as "addict" or "abuser" can reinforce stigma, while person-first language such as "person with a substance use disorder" can help reduce negative attitudes and encourage people to seek help.
Courtesy of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Alcohol Can Interfere With Sleep Quality
Many people believe alcohol improves sleep because it can make them feel relaxed and help them fall asleep more quickly. However, researchers have found that alcohol can interfere with the normal sleep cycle, causing sleep to become lighter and more fragmented as the night progresses.
Alcohol can also reduce REM sleep, the stage of sleep associated with memory formation, learning, and emotional processing. This means a person may spend enough time in bed but still wake feeling tired, less focused, and less refreshed than they would after a natural night's sleep.
Courtesy of Sleep Foundation
Even One Standard Drink May Affect Driving
Alcohol affects the brain in ways that can make driving unsafe. The HSE says even one drink can affect vision, reaction time, concentration, coordination, judgement, and risk-taking.
In Ireland, the drink-driving limit is 50mg for most people and 20mg for learner, novice, and HGV drivers. The HSE says just one standard drink can put some people over the legal limit, especially where the 20mg limit applies.
Courtesy of HSE
Standard Drinks Are Not Always Obvious
In Ireland, one standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. The HSE gives examples such as half a pint of beer, a single pub measure of spirits, or a small glass of wine.
Some drinks are much stronger than others, so one glass, bottle, or can does not always equal one standard drink.
Courtesy of HSE
Alcohol and Mental Health Can Affect Each Other
Alcohol problems and mental health difficulties can occur together. NIAAA explains that alcohol use disorder often co-occurs with other mental health conditions.
This can make things harder to manage, because alcohol, mood, anxiety, sleep, stress, and emotional regulation can all affect one another.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Cutting Down Can Improve Focus and Energy
The HSE says lowering alcohol intake can bring health benefits, including improvements in energy, sleep, mood, concentration, and mental clarity.
Small changes can matter. Cutting down does not have to mean fixing everything at once.
Courtesy of HSE
Hangovers Are More Than Just a Headache
NIAAA describes a hangover as a group of symptoms that can happen after drinking too much alcohol. These can include fatigue, weakness, thirst, headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, irritability, sweating, and increased blood pressure.
A hangover can affect the body, mood, concentration, and ability to function the next day.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Alcohol Use Disorder Can Be Mild, Moderate, or Severe
NIAAA explains that alcohol use disorder is a medical condition where a person has difficulty stopping or controlling alcohol use despite negative social, work, or health consequences.
It can range from mild to severe. This means alcohol problems do not all look the same, and someone does not have to be at the most severe stage before support matters.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Brain Changes Can Make Relapse Risk Harder to Manage
NIAAA explains that lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse can make people vulnerable to relapse.
This helps explain why ongoing support can matter after someone stops drinking. Relapse risk is not simply about willpower.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Medication Can Help Some People With Alcohol Problems
NIAAA says approved medications can help some people stop or reduce drinking and avoid returning to drinking.
These medications are nonaddictive and may be used alone or alongside other supports. This is something a person can discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Alcohol Harm Can Affect Older Adults Too
NIAAA says alcohol misuse and alcohol-related harms are increasing among older adults.
Alcohol can also interact with ageing, health conditions, medication, balance, sleep, and memory. Support should remain open to people at every age.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The Less Alcohol You Drink, the Lower the Risk
The HSE says binge drinking increases the risk of accidents, injuries, fights, unsafe sex, alcohol poisoning, and other harms.
A simple way to reduce alcohol-related risk is to drink less alcohol and avoid drinking too much at one time.
Courtesy of HSE
Even One Standard Drink May Affect Driving
Alcohol affects the brain in ways that can make driving unsafe. The HSE says even one drink can affect vision, reaction time, concentration, coordination, judgement, and risk-taking.
In Ireland, the drink-driving limit is 50mg for most people and 20mg for learner, novice, and professional drivers. The HSE says one standard drink can put some people over the legal limit, especially where the lower 20mg limit applies.
Courtesy of HSE
Standard Drinks Are Not Always Obvious
In Ireland, one standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. The HSE gives examples such as half a pint of beer, a single pub measure of spirits, or a small glass of wine.
Some drinks are stronger than others, so one glass, bottle, or can does not always equal one standard drink.
Courtesy of HSE
Alcohol and Mental Health Can Affect Each Other
Alcohol problems and mental health difficulties can occur together. NIAAA explains that alcohol use disorder often co-occurs with other mental health conditions.
Alcohol, mood, anxiety, sleep, stress, and emotional regulation can all affect one another, which can make things harder to manage alone.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Cutting Down Alcohol Can Improve Focus and Energy
The HSE says lowering alcohol intake can bring health benefits, including improvements in energy, sleep, mood, concentration, and mental clarity.
Small changes can matter. Cutting down does not have to mean fixing everything at once.
Courtesy of HSE
Hangovers Are More Than Just a Headache
NIAAA describes a hangover as a group of symptoms that can happen after drinking too much alcohol. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, thirst, headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, sweating, and increased blood pressure.
A hangover can affect the body, mood, concentration, and ability to function the next day.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Alcohol Use Disorder Can Be Mild, Moderate, or Severe
NIAAA explains that alcohol use disorder is a medical condition where a person has difficulty stopping or controlling alcohol use despite negative social, work, or health consequences.
It can range from mild to severe. A person does not have to be at the most severe stage before support matters.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Brain Changes Can Make Relapse Risk Harder to Manage
NIAAA explains that lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse can make people vulnerable to relapse.
This helps explain why ongoing support can matter after someone stops drinking. Relapse risk is not simply about willpower.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Medication Can Help Some People With Alcohol Problems
NIAAA says approved medications can help some people stop or reduce drinking and avoid returning to drinking.
These medications are nonaddictive and may be used alone or with other supports. This is something a person can discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Alcohol Harm Can Affect Older Adults Too
NIAAA says alcohol misuse and alcohol-related harms are increasing among older adults.
Alcohol can also interact with ageing, health conditions, medication, balance, sleep, and memory. Support should remain open to people at every age.
Courtesy of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The Less Alcohol You Drink, the Lower the Risk
The HSE says binge drinking increases the risk of accidents, injuries, fights, unsafe sex, alcohol poisoning, and other harms.
A simple way to reduce alcohol-related risk is to drink less alcohol and avoid drinking too much at one time.
Courtesy of HSE