Medical term for hangover is “veisalgia” – from Norwegian kveis “uneasiness following debauchery,” and Greek algia “pain”.

For the weekend that’s in it, let’s bust some hangover urban myths:

1. You just can “detox” after drinking too much? #mythbusted. You can’t “detox” after alcohol excess: vitamins, fasts, cleanses, smoothies, “soakage” meals, supplements, IV drip bars. It may ease symptoms but can’t undo any damage.

 2. Hangovers are just feeling bad? No – hangover isn’t just about how bad you feel: Few patients are aware that they are actually somewhat impaired the next day – even after their blood alcohol is 0. In studies with pilots, drivers, skiers, they had poorer coordination, altered perception, slower brain waves for up to 16 hours AFTER blood alcohol went back to 0.

 3. Making someone suffer with hangover symptoms will NOT prevent them from drinking again. Studies show those with moderate to severe hangovers are MORE likely to drink to excess again.

4. There is NO magic hangover cure.

 5. What you drink can affect getting a hangover. Drinks that contain “congeners” like brandy, wine, tequila, whiskey, dark spirits can cause worse hangover BUT…

6. It’s really about how much drink you had: more than 5 to 6 units for a man or 3 to 5 units for a woman. (one unit is a pub measure spirit, half pint beer, or small glass wine)

 7. Hangovers are a problem. It has serious and well-studied economic effects: The cost of hangovers are from lost days of work, lost productivity and increased errors by those who make it to work, and increased injury. (If you remember, in January we talked about how ONE THIRD of the HSE budget is made of complications related to alcohol misuse).

 8. So, you’ve over-indulged? What does work? Hydration. Your usual over-the-counter headache medication. Some non-diabetics have low blood sugar with hangovers, so food helps. Rest.

What’s the sure-fire way to prevent a hangover? Low-risk alcohol intake. Limit yourself to 11 standard units for women or 17 standard units for men. Have 2 to 3 alcohol-free days per week. Drink no more than 6 standard  units at each occasion.  Learn more about your drinking

 If you want help with your alcohol use, talk to your GP or contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol helpline 1800 459 459