The Relationship Between Alcohol Hangover Frequency and Hangover Severity

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Sandra Risnita - , Utrecht University (Author)
  • Emina Iseric - , Utrecht University (Author)
  • Maureen Zijlstra - , Utrecht University (Author)
  • Ann-Kathrin Stock - , Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Author)
  • Joris Verster - , Utrecht University, Swinburne University of Technology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Author)

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.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number2428
JournalJournal of clinical medicine
Volume14
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 105002315931

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • alcohol, severity, hangover, tolerance, frequency