Hangovers: What Causes Them and How to Avoid Them

All alcoholic drinks contain ethanol, a form of pure alcohol that is broken down into
another chemical, called acetaldehyde, by the body. If too much acetaldehyde enters
the blood, it can cause tiredness, headaches, vomiting and dehydration. These effects
are known as a "hangover."

The average adult drinks about 6.4 liters of ethanol per year, and a 2000 study said
hangovers could cost about $2,000 per adult per year in terms of missed work and poor
job performance!

Scientists don't know exactly why people get hangovers, but there are probably several
reasons. First of all, alcohol stops the body from being able to use a chemical called
vasopressin, which can cause dehydration.

Dark drinks, like red wine and whiskey, may cause worse hangovers than clear drinks
because they contain more congeners, chemicals that have been known to cause
headaches. Drinks like champagne may also lead to worse hangovers because the
bubbles allow alcohol to travel farther into the small intestine, where it quickly enters the
blood.

Studies have also found that women are more likely to get hangovers because their
bodies are usually smaller and have less water. Asians may get worse hangovers for
genetic reasons, and about 23% of people say that they don't get hangovers.

Many people say that they've found the cure for hangovers, including eating certain
foods and even drinking more alcohol the next morning. Scientists say that the best
solution is to not drink too much, and if you still get a hangover, take ibuprofen, a
medicine used to cure headaches.

Questions

1. How much ethanol does the average adult drink per year?
2. Is champagne likely to cause worse hangovers than white wine?
3. What percentage of people say they don't get hangovers?
4. Have you ever had a hangover? Please explain your answer.
5. Do you know of any hangover cures? Please explain your answer.
6. Do you know anyone who doesn't get hangovers? Please explain your answer.
7. Do any of your workmates ever come to work with a hangover? Please explain
your answer.
8. Do you find it surprising that hangovers could cost businesses about $2,000 per
adult per year? Why? Why not?
9. What was the first alcoholic drink you've tried? Did you like it?
10. Are there any alcoholic drinks that you dislike? Why?
11. Do you like cocktails? If so, do you know how to make any? If not, why not?
12. What are the most popular alcoholic beverages where you live? Why do you
think that is?
13. A drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts. – Steve Fergosi. What do you
make of this statement?