Alcohol Withdrawal vs. Hangover: Key Differences and When to Seek Help
For many who drink alcohol, the morning after often brings the familiar symptoms of a hangover—throbbing headaches, dry mouth, and lingering nausea. The advice is often the same: Drink lots of water or sports drinks, take some pain reliever, and sleep it off if possible.
These strategies can help alleviate the discomfort of the occasional hangover, but what if your body is showing signs you need medical detox instead of just hydration? What you think is the usual hangover may be something much more concerning: alcohol withdrawal. But when does a hangover turn into alcohol withdrawal, and what should you do if you notice the signs?
If you are having trouble distinguishing between alcohol withdrawal vs. hangover, it may be time to reach out for help from the alcohol detox specialists at Sanford Behavioral Health. Our treatment center in Grand Rapids, MI, offers the benefits of clinical and medical experts, licensed dietitians, and exercise therapists to address your physical, psychological, and mental health needs as you start your journey to recovery.
Alcohol withdrawal vs. hangover
It can be challenging to know whether you are experiencing the usual hangover or if your symptoms are related to alcohol withdrawal. Many of the typical signs of a hangover can be similar to those of withdrawal, such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Dry mouth
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety
- Elevated heart rate
These symptoms can indicate either a hangover or alcohol withdrawal. The key differences that can help you distinguish between the two are:
How often and how much you drink
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as four or more drinks for women on one occasion and five or more for men. Heavy drinking refers to eight or more drinks for women within one week and 15 or more for men. If these definitions do not describe your drinking behaviors or you only binge drink on occasion, your symptoms are more likely to be related to a hangover. However, if you regularly engage in binge or heavy drinking, you may be experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
How long do your symptoms last
Hangover symptoms tend to dissipate within 24 hours, while alcohol withdrawal can last for several days or more.
When does a hangover turn into alcohol withdrawal?
A hangover is the result of drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol. As your liver tries to process the alcohol, a toxic substance known as acetaldehyde can build up, leading to dehydration, inflammation, gastrointestinal upset, and disrupted sleep patterns.
On the other hand, alcohol withdrawal occurs when you have become dependent on alcohol, and you experience symptoms as the substance begins to leave your system. Chronic binge and heavy drinking increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence.
Signs you need medical detox instead of just hydration
Staying hydrated is a simple and effective remedy for a hangover, but managing alcohol withdrawal requires far more than just drinking more water. In severe cases of alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder (AUD), withdrawal can pose serious health risks.
Symptoms such as tremors, hallucinations, confusion, excessive sweating, vomiting, or agitation may signal the need for immediate medical attention. Seeking professional detox care is essential to ensure safety and proper treatment during withdrawal.
Treatment options for alcohol withdrawal
If you suspect you may be experiencing alcohol withdrawal, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Detox specialists can provide 24/7 care to prioritize your safety and comfort as alcohol leaves your system. Treatment may include medications to address anxiety, pain, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, and alcohol cravings. If you are severely dehydrated, you might also receive IV fluids to help with rehydration and electrolyte balance.
Call Sanford Behavioral Health to get help for alcohol withdrawal
If you are interested in treatment options for alcohol withdrawal, you can put your trust in Sanford Behavioral Health. Our Michigan treatment center offers medical detox to help you get through the discomfort of alcohol withdrawal more comfortably. From there, we will provide you with a full continuum of care, including inpatient and outpatient options.
Give us a call today at 616.202.3326 to learn more about how we can help you overcome AUD through our whole-person approach to recovery. You can also reach out by completing our online contact form.
