If you no longer suffer hangovers, you may wonder if you have alcohol use disorder. Alcoholics often don’t deal with hangovers in the typical way that non-alcoholics do. If you are concerned about your drinking, the alcoholism treatment program at Vertava Health can help. Contact us today at 844.470.0410 to get started on the road to recovery.
What Is A Hangover?
A hangover is characterized by multiple unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that occur as a result of heavy alcohol consumption. Physical symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Thirst
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Decreased sleep
- Sensitivity to light
- Bloodshot eyes
More severe symptoms can be extremely dangerous and include:
- Increased systolic blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tremors, dehydration, and sweating.
The Connection Between Alcoholism and Hangovers
Among the studies that have looked at the relationship between alcohol hangovers and varying contributing factors, it was found that those with a higher risk of developing alcoholism were at a greater risk for experiencing hangovers. Those with a risk of alcoholism experienced more acute withdrawal and hangover symptoms, which may have encouraged them to continue drinking to avoid the unpleasant symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal (AW syndrome) occurs when someone stops drinking and the body eliminates the alcohol. AW may cause nervous system hyperactivity, including tremors, sweating, and increased heart rate, which are symptoms also observed in hangovers.
How Do Alcoholics Deal with Hangovers?
There are a few ways that alcoholics may deal with hangovers differently than non-alcoholics. These include:
- Not experiencing any symptoms. Some people who have alcoholism may not experience any symptoms after drinking, even if they consume a large amount of alcohol. This is likely due to the fact that their bodies have become used to functioning with alcohol in their system.
- Minimizing the symptoms. Some alcoholics may be able to control their hangover symptoms by continuing to drink alcohol. This will help to mask the symptoms but will ultimately cause them to feel worse once the alcohol wears off.
- Increasing alcohol consumption. Some people with alcoholism may find that their hangover symptoms get worse if they drink less alcohol. As a result, they may end up consuming more alcohol than they would if they didn’t have a hangover.
The bottom line is that everyone experiences hangovers differently. If you are concerned about your drinking, the best thing to do is to reach out to a treatment program like Vertava Health.
Get Treatment for Alcoholism at Vertava Health
If you suffer from alcoholism or you have a loved one who does, it is important to know that it is never too late to seek help. Treatment is vast, but some readily available options include the well-known 12-step program, inpatient rehab programs, and outpatient therapies. Whichever treatment you choose, look for a program that involves behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, marital and family counseling, and one-on-one interventions.
These therapies are designed to help the person suffering from alcoholism develop the skills they need to stop or cut back on drinking, build a strong support system, and help them achieve reachable goals.
Treatment may also involve medication to help the person sustain abstinence by easing the effects of withdrawal. When the person in alcohol detox treatment has completed their inpatient or outpatient program, they may choose to join an Alcoholics Anonymous group for continued peer support. If you have any questions about treatment for alcoholism and would like help with finding a program near you, contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today. Our friendly staff will help you figure out the next step towards healing. You are not alone in your battle with alcoholism.
