Work

The Relationship Between Alcohol Hangover Frequency and Hangover Severity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: Tolerance to the acute effects of alcohol, i.e., feeling less intoxicated after consuming the same amount of alcohol, has been reported for individuals who regularly consume alcohol. In this study, it was investigated whether such tolerance also exists for experiencing the alcohol hangover. Methods: Data from five studies that assessed hangover frequency and hangover severity were combined (n = 924). Partial correlations were computed between hangover frequency and hangover severity, with age, sex, and weekly alcohol consumption as possible confounders. Results: A significant and positive correlation was found between hangover frequency and hangover severity (r = 0.692, p < 0.001). After correcting for sex, age, and weekly alcohol consumption, the partial correlation remained significant (r = 0.526, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The observed positive association between hangover frequency and hangover severity suggests a reverse tolerance: if hangovers are experienced more frequently, they are more severe.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm14072428

Authors: Sandra Rîșniță, Emina Išerić, Maureen N. Zijlstra, Ann-Kathrin Stock, Joris C. Verster

Institutions: Utrecht University, Technische Universität Dresden, Swinburne University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137