Feeling a bit rough after a night out? Here are some easy tips to help you feel better.
Spotting Alcohol Poisoning
If you or someone you know is drinking too fast, it can lead to alcohol poisoning. Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Severe confusion
- Slurred speech or trouble talking
- Difficulty moving, standing, or walking
- Vomiting
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pale or bluish skin
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Seizures
- Passing out
When to Sober Up
It can be tough to tell how drunk you really are, especially after a few drinks. Here are some signs that it’s time to hit the brakes:
- Mood swings and feeling overly uninhibited
- Slurred speech and unsteady movements
- Trouble focusing, remembering things, or making good decisions
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry vision or hearing issues
- Memory blackouts
Quick Sober-Up Tips
First off, the bad news: once alcohol is in your system, there’s no magic trick to get it out fast. It usually takes about 25 hours to fully sober up, depending on how much you drank. Your body processes alcohol at its own pace, and there’s no speeding it up.
But don’t worry! You can take steps to feel a bit better and avoid making things worse—like calling a cab or getting some rest.
Don’t Drive: Seriously, it’s not worth the risk. Even if you think you’re fine, a breathalyzer will tell a different story, and you could end up with a hefty fine or worse.
What to Do
- Stop Drinking: This one’s a no-brainer, but super important. If you’re feeling tipsy, your body can’t keep up with breaking down the alcohol.
- Stay Hydrated: Alcohol dehydrates you, so drink water, tea, or some light juice. This can help you feel a bit better and dilute the alcohol in your system. Just skip the coffee and energy drinks—they won’t help you sober up and might make you want to drink more.
- Eat Something Light: If you can, munch on bland foods like toast, bananas, or crackers. This can slow down how fast alcohol gets into your bloodstream.
- Get Moving: If you’re up for it, take a walk outside. It won’t make you sober, but it can help clear your head a bit.
- Take a Shower: A lukewarm shower can help you feel refreshed, but avoid cold showers—they can be dangerous when you’re drunk.
- Hit the Hay: The best way to sober up is to sleep it off. Just make sure you’re not feeling super nauseous before you crash. If you are, wait it out or have someone keep an eye on you.
What to Avoid
There are tons of “quick fix” tips online, but many can be risky. Here’s what NOT to do:
- Don’t Smoke: It might seem like it helps, but it can trick you into thinking you’re sober when you’re not. That’s a recipe for disaster.
- Avoid Medications: Mixing alcohol with meds can be dangerous, especially if you’re not thinking clearly.
- Skip the Sauna: While it might sound tempting, going into a hot steam room while drunk can lead to serious health issues.
- No Intense Exercise: You’re not in the best shape to work out when you’re drunk, and it could lead to injuries.
Just remember, the best way to feel better is to give it time. Stay safe!
