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Anyone who has had one can attest that not all hangovers are created equal. Some are more severe or intense than others. Many believe the more alcohol you consume, the more severe the symptom. Based on recent medical research studies, it’s not as straightforward as that.

How is Hangover Severity Measured?

NAD for fatigueHangovers are never fun. In fact, they can be debilitating when severe enough. While there are over 47 diagnosable symptoms, the most common ones are dizziness, loss of appetite, heart racing, stomachache and nausea, fatigue, and extreme thirst.

According to a 2020 study published by the National Library of Medicine, hangover severity is measured using a combination of assessments and intake surveys. The Acute Hangover Scale (AHS) and Alcohol Hangover Severity Scale (AHSS) are used as tools to assess hangover severity.

Different Levels of Hangover Severity

According to the research, hangover severity can be divided into the following categories:

No Hangover Symptoms

In this case, a person does not experience symptoms after drinking. It can also include symptoms so low that it doesn’t even register. According to the research, no direct correlation is made between how severe your symptoms are related to how much alcohol you consume. It’s possible to drink and experience no symptoms.

Mild Hangover Symptoms

Many hangover assessments base scores on a 1-10 scale. Mild hangover symptoms fall in the 1-4 range. At this level of intensity, some symptoms experienced would be mild headaches, nausea, lack of appetite, grogginess, and slight difficulty concentrating. However, those with mild symptoms are still able to carry out the majority of their daily routine with minor discomfort.

Moderate Hangover Symptoms

migraine relief fastFalling within the range of 5 to 8, moderate hangover symptoms are the most common of the four. It is at this stage that the severity of symptoms begins to intensify to a level of extreme discomfort. Some symptoms that reach high levels of intensity include:

  • Headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood swings
  • Nausea to the point of vomiting,
  • Lack of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Irritability.

Severe Hangover Symptoms

While moderate hangover symptoms are the most common, some can experience severe ones. Individuals who suffer from this report severity levels of 9 or higher. People who drink very little alcohol could experience moderate to severe hangover symptoms. Along with moderate symptoms, severe hangovers can also include:

  • Extreme dry mouth
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Incapacitating dizziness
  • Severe headache
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Flu-like symptoms.

How to Alleviate Symptoms of a Severe Hangover

In addition to drinking more water and taking in electrolytes, many people utilize IV hydration and hangover therapies. Administered intravenously, fluids, essential minerals, and vitamins that aid in reducing hangover symptoms are placed directly into the bloodstream for immediate use. Treatments may also include anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate symptoms such as headaches and nausea.

Regardless of the severity of your symptoms or how you choose to treat hangover symptoms, understanding how your body responds to alcohol and putting in place preventative measures will put you in the best position to avoid or recover from hangover symptoms quickly.

At-Home Hangover IV Therapy with Drip Hydration

Having a severe headache after drinking alcohol? Feeling exhausted? Nauseous? No matter how severe the symptoms are, a Hangover IV treatment will help you immensely.

Drip Hydration offers mobile IV treatments in the comfort of your home. Once you book your appointment, a certified nurse will come to your desired location and administer the treatment, which usually takes less than an hour. During this time, you can do anything you’d like, such as relax under a warm blanket or watch TV. Drip Hydration will also go to hotels, worksites, or other locations upon request.

Hangover IV - Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in our hangover IV?

Our Hangover IV treatment contains a blend of IV fluids, electrolytes, vitamins and medication to restore the vitamins in your body and help your body battle with the unwanted hangover symptoms. Among the main ingredients are B-Complex vitamins, Vitamin B12, Toradol and Anti-Nausea medication. 

Why is hangover IV much more effective than hangover drinks?

Hangover IV is more effective than hangover drinks because the IV solution is introduced directly into your blood without having to go through the digestive system which is already overloaded. This means you will feel the effects much faster and feel much better very quickly. 

How long does it take for our Hangover IV to start working?

It usually takes between 30-60 minutes for you to feel the benefits of our Hangover IV drip.

What are the levels of hangover severity?

IV therapy in general is FDA approved. Our nurses are overseen by our Medical Director, Abe Malkin, and every nurse is registered and certified per state standards.

Read more: Hangover IV FAQ