Chances are, if you consume alcohol, you may have experienced the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover the morning after. Nausea, headache, and fatigue can be mild to severe, depending on how much you consumed the night before. But is a hangover the same as alcohol withdrawal? The symptoms are similar, but you might be surprised to learn that there are distinguishable differences between the two. Understanding the difference between a hangover and alcohol withdrawal may help you or a loved one recognize whether you should be more mindful of your consumption and if there is a more significant concern, such as alcohol use disorder (AUD).
If you struggle with alcohol dependence, My 5 Palms can help. Our alcohol rehab in Florida offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment options, so you will have the right level of care regardless of the severity of your condition. Give us a call at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more and enroll in treatment for alcohol addiction.
Is a Hangover Alcohol Withdrawal?
Simply put, a hangover is not the same as alcohol withdrawal. The former is the result of consuming too much alcohol. As alcohol leaves your system and your blood alcohol content drops, you may notice unpleasant symptoms like:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Shakiness
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Digestive discomfort
These symptoms are largely related to the effects of alcohol on your body. Alcohol is a dehydrating substance, so if you consume more than moderate quantities, the resulting dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue. Alcohol is also very acidic and irritates the lining of your stomach, which is why you may feel nauseous the next day and experience heartburn, gas, or diarrhea.
Although the most effective way to prevent hangovers is to avoid alcohol together, you can reduce the chances of these undesirable symptoms by practicing moderation. Moderate alcohol consumption consists of up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men. Anything beyond that makes you more likely to feel hungover the next day.
The Difference Between Hangover and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal involves many of the same symptoms as hangovers. The primary difference between the two is the root cause. A hangover is caused by consuming too much alcohol, while alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the result of discontinuing drinking after you have become dependent on alcohol. The following can help you distinguish between a hangover and alcohol withdrawal symptoms:
Is It a Hangover?
You may have a hangover if:
- Your symptoms occurred after a single period of drinking
- Your symptoms dissipated within a day
- You do not often engage in excessive drinking behaviors
You should also know that having a hangover is not necessarily an indicator of having an alcohol use disorder, although you can still experience hangovers with AUD.
Is It Alcohol Withdrawal?
You may be experiencing alcohol withdrawal if:
- Your symptoms occurred after multiple drinking sessions over a long period
- Your symptoms start less than 12 hours after your last drink and last from several days to a week
- You regularly drink excessively or participate in binge drinking
While a hangover can happen even after the first time a person drinks, alcohol withdrawal does not develop until a person has become dependent on the substance. This usually occurs after a person regularly drinks beyond moderation over an extended period and finds that they have difficulty functioning without alcohol.
Join Us at My 5 Palms for Alcohol Rehab in Florida
Once you recognize that your post-drinking discomfort is related to alcohol withdrawal, it is time to seek help for alcohol use disorder. The earlier you get treatment, the better your chance for a successful recovery. Find the support you need at My 5 Palms by calling us at 1.844.675.1022 or filling out our online form.
