The hangover habit endangers the body and can pave the way to alcohol dependence. This view comes from professionals in mental health and addiction care, including Alexander Polikarpov, a psychotherapist, narcologist, and the chief physician of the AlkoSpas clinic, who spoke with socialbites.ca about the risks involved.
He explains that the belief some people hold—that drinking will instantly make them feel better—is a subjective impression. After consuming large amounts of alcohol, the body benefits most from hydration, rest, and sometimes medical support to help clear toxins and restore balance. In this view, the body’s immediate response is to try to eliminate alcohol and its byproducts, which often manifests as symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and a pounding head.
Polikarpov emphasizes that these symptoms are not the body magically repairing itself; they are the body signaling that alcohol has acted as a poison. The process of clearing the breakdown products from alcohol is a natural, if uncomfortable, detoxification that these symptoms accompany. Persistent or repeated heavy drinking can blur the line between a one-off hangover and a pattern of harmful intake, making recovery more complex.
From the physician’s perspective, regular hangovers do not equate to improved health. A person may feel briefly relieved after a drink, but that relief does not mean the heart, blood vessels, or liver are functioning normally again. Instead, it could indicate a developing psychological dependence that masks underlying health risks and behavioral changes.
The doctor also warns that the myth of an extra drink to speed up detoxification is dangerous. Hydration with clean water and sufficient rest are the simplest, safer measures. If someone’s condition worsens, seeking professional care from a drug therapy clinic or a similar specialized center is advised to receive appropriate intravenous therapy or other treatments to support detoxification and restore balance in the body.
Polikarpov notes that addiction often begins subtly and can go unnoticed by the person affected. Early signs may include a diminished ability to assess one’s drinking patterns critically or to recognize how much alcohol is being consumed. When such concerns first arise, consulting a narcologist or psychiatrist can help prevent the progression toward a significant health risk or dependence.
The dialogue around alcohol use also touches on public awareness, as a growing number of people seek practical guidance on healthier choices and the early signs of problematic drinking. Experts advocate for a measured approach to alcohol, encouraging individuals to consider the long-term impact on physical health, mental well-being, and daily functioning before the next drink.
In summary, while temporary relief might be felt after drinking, it is not a sign of genuine recovery. Proper hydration, rest, and professional medical support are the recommended paths to safety. Recognizing the difference between normal, occasional drinking and patterns that threaten health is essential for prevention and timely intervention. Early consultation with specialists can prevent the emergence of more serious conditions and help maintain overall well-being.
In light of these insights, it becomes clear that the questions people have about timing, dosage, and recovery deserve careful attention. The focus should be on sustainable habits, medical guidance, and honest self-assessment to reduce risk and support long-term health.