In the hours after a night of heavy drinking, it’s important to take care of yourself and your body. Alcohol intoxication can be dangerous if you are unable to monitor your intake, especially if you are drinking alone or driving home afterward. In addition to the potential for alcohol poisoning, excess alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. These effects may not last long if you take care of yourself. With the right precautions, recovering from an evening of heavy drinking can be quick and simple. Here are six ways that you can take care of yourself after alcohol intoxication.
Check your blood alcohol content
The first step in taking care of yourself after alcohol intoxication is to check your blood alcohol content. This reading will help you determine whether or not you will experience extreme alcohol toxicity or a hangover. Knowing your BAC will also make it easier to hydrate yourself and avoid taking medication. The optimal BAC range to avoid negative effects of alcohol is less than 0.03%. A BAC of 0.08% or more is considered alcohol intoxication, and 0.35% or more is considered life-threatening alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is rare among social drinkers, but it’s important to know your BAC to be safe. Most BAC testing kits require a small sample of blood. After taking a sample, you will have your BAC reading within a few minutes.
Rehydrate with water and electrolytes
The next step in taking care of yourself after alcohol intoxication is rehydrating with water and electrolytes. Drinking too much alcohol can cause you to lose more fluids than you take in, which can lead to dehydration and other negative side effects. To avoid these risks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend drinking a beverage with electrolytes for every alcoholic beverage you consume. An electrolyte drink like Gatorade or Powerade can replace the fluids and minerals that you lose after drinking too much. If you’re feeling very dehydrated, you can also add a pinch of salt to a glass of water to improve the effectiveness of your hydration. Drinking at least 16 ounces of water with electrolytes can help you rehydrate after a night of heavy drinking.
Eat a small meal
After alcohol intoxication, you may experience nausea or vomiting. While this can be a sign of a larger alcohol-related illness, it can also be a result of not eating enough food during your drinking session. If you have a low blood sugar after drinking, your body will produce nausea that can lead to vomiting. Eating a small meal before or during your drinking session can reduce the risk of nausea or vomiting after the fact. If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, the CDC recommends eating bland foods until you feel better. Examples of bland foods include crackers, toast, plain pasta, rice, potatoes, or pretzels. Avoid fatty or greasy foods, as they can make nausea or vomiting worse. If you experience nausea or vomiting after drinking, you should eat a bland meal and drink plenty of water.
Get plenty of rest
After alcohol intoxication, it can be tempting to finish your night by cleaning up your mess, going out for one last drink at the bar, or staying up with friends. Instead, try to get as much rest as possible. The best way to recover from alcohol intoxication is to let your body get plenty of rest. Alcohol intoxication can cause restlessness, sleeplessness, and insomnia, but these symptoms can be avoided with rest. If you’re able to sleep, try to get at least eight hours of sleep. Sleeping for at least six hours is also recommended if you’re feeling restless. Getting as much rest as possible after heavy drinking can help you recover quickly.
Monitor yourself for the next day or two
While taking care of yourself after alcohol intoxication will help you recover quickly, it’s important to monitor yourself for the next day or two. After drinking heavily, you may experience symptoms of a hangover, which can last for a few days. Some signs of a hangover include headaches, nausea, tiredness, and dizziness. You may also feel anxious or irritable after a night of heavy drinking. If you’re feeling hungover, you can take steps to mitigate your symptoms. Avoid food high in fat, sugar, or caffeine. Instead, eat foods high in protein, electrolytes, and vitamins. Drinking plenty of water can also help you feel better after a night of heavy drinking.
Conclusion
After a night of heavy drinking, it’s important to take care of yourself and your body. Alcohol intoxication can be dangerous if you are unable to monitor your intake, especially if you are drinking alone or driving home afterward. The best way to recover is to rehydrate with water and electrolytes, eat a small meal, and get plenty of rest. You should also monitor yourself for the next day or two after drinking heavily. With these six ways, you can take care of yourself after alcohol intoxication.
