How to Get Rid of a Hangover in 5 Simple Steps

We’ve all been there: One too many bottomless mimosas at brunch, a beer stash that magically disappeared during halftime, a post-work happy “hour” that lasted five instead — you know the drill, and it’s always left you wondering how to get rid of a hangover.

If you’d rather forgo the pain of overindulging in one too many adult beverages, one might suggest that the simplest solution would be to abstain from alcohol entirely. But let’s be realistic: According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 85.6% of people ages 18 and older reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime. What’s more, alcohol is omnipresent in our society: it’s part of celebrations and parties; of mourning and coping; of community and socialization. And for many people, giving up alcohol entirely just isn’t in the cards.

So, are we doomed to suffer the consequences of consuming a reckless number of fireball shots at our bachelor/bachelorette parties? Of wine nights gone wrong? Of losing that game of beer pong long after the glory days of college? Must we spend an entire day confined to our dimly lit bedrooms, making false promises of “never drinking again” as we wash down another dose of ibuprofen with Gatorade? 

Not necessarily.

Although not entirely avoidable in all cases of overconsumption, hangovers can be treated to a varying degree. If you want to know how to get rid of a hangover, you’ll definitely want to keep reading. But first, we need to understand:

What causes a hangover in the first place?

Hangovers wreak havoc on our bodies in more ways than one, and if you’ve ever been guilty of overindulging, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Thanks to the chemical properties of alcohol, its consumption can cause a myriad of symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, dehydration, and even an increase in blood pressure. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, these are the most common hangover symptoms:

1. Dehydration: If you’ve ever woken up extremely thirsty after a night of drinking, this is why: Vasopressin, a hormone produced by the brain that sends signals to the kidneys causing them to retain fluid, is suppressed by alcohol. This, in turn, causes increased urination and excess loss of fluids. It’s also what might be causing your hangover headache and fatigue. 
2. Sleep Disruption: Sure, you might pass out rather quickly after a night of drinking, but your quality of sleep will surely be affected. Alcohol is a sedative, which means you’ll fall asleep easily, but it also creates an imbalance between slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. In other words, you experience a decrease in overall sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, and increased sleep disruptions.
3. Gastrointestinal Irritation: We’ll spare you the gross (or should we say crappy?) details of what alcohol can do to your stomach and digestive symptom — just know this: Alcohol consumption irritates the lining of the stomach, increasing acid release that leads to nausea and stomach pain.
4. Inflammation: That “puffy” look you get post-drinking isn’t just your imagination — it’s inflammation caused by alcohol. This inflammation is also known to contribute to the general discomfort that people feel when they’re experiencing a hangover. 

Further contributing to your hangover is the fact that drinking can cause acetaldehyde exposure. When alcohol is metabolized by the liver, it creates the compound acetaldehyde (also known as ethanol), which is a toxic byproduct that can cause inflammation of the liver and other organs.

Now that we understand more about what causes these unfavorable symptoms, we can talk about how to get rid of a hangover. 

How to Get Rid of a Hangover in Five Simple Steps 

We know what you’re thinking: Is there a magical potion, feel-better spell, or all-knowing wizard that can reveal how to get rid of a hangover instantly? We hate to burst your magical bubble, but unfortunately, no such quick-fix exists — but that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to feel better faster.  

Here’s how to get rid of a hangover:

Step 1: Rehydrate like it’s your job. 

Since we know that alcohol causes dehydration, you’ll need to replenish lost fluids ASAP. Electrolyte-rich sports drinks can help combat the imbalance caused by fluid loss and increased urination. 

Step 2: Stick on the Hangover Relief Patch from OnMi.

Our Hangover Patch can help speed up the recovery process thanks to our science-backed formulation that includes guarana and plenty of B vitamins. The OnMi Hangover Patch works by replenishing essential vitamins reducing symptoms associated with alcohol consumption such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, and re-energizing you with guarana.

The secret is in the ingredients: Guarana helps by reducing fatigue and boosting energy, vitamin B3 is important for the prevention of mental and physical fatigue, vitamin B1 helps cells convert food into energy, and vitamin B6 is a potent antioxidant that’s essential for cellular life and function — all things that can help you bounce back faster! 

Step 3: Pain relievers are your friend.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are a popular choice for hangover-induced headaches and body aches. You might, however, want to consider the type of pain reliever as certain medicines can negatively affect your body. Acetaminophen, for example, can be toxic to the liver in combination with alcohol. Aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate your stomach lining, so it’s best to take these with food. 

Step 4: Eat when you’re able. 

Most people swear by greasy meals after a late night out. It’s not so much the grease that helps, however, but the replenishment of calories and nutrients that help you feel better faster. 

Step 5: Take it easy. 

Time is truly the best medicine for a hangover, so take it easy, get some rest, and give your body a chance to recover. Pretty soon, you’ll be feeling relaxed and ready for round two (just try and drink a little less next time)!  

In the end, knowing how to get rid of a hangover can help ease the pain of your overindulgence. By rehydrating, using our patches, replenishing calories, and taking it easy, you’ll be on your way to feeling better in no time.

Want to save on your first batch of Hangover Relief Patches? Sign up for our newsletter to get 15% off your first purchase! 

OnMi advocates for drinking responsibly. The Hangover Relief Patch does not affect alcohol blood level percentages and does not mitigate sensory impairment. Do not operate machinery or vehicles after alcohol consumption. The Hangover Relief Patch is not intended for minors.