Who Suffers Hangovers Most?

New Research Reveals the Age Group That Suffers Hangovers Most Frequently

Plus Aussies reveal their hangover 'cures'

Worrying new research reveals Aussies in their thirties suffer from drinking hangovers more frequently than any other age group. Nearly a quarter of Aussies in this age group have a hangover at least every week, and nearly half suffer from a hangover at least once every month.

The findings come from a survey of a nationally representative panel of 1008 Australians – commissioned by Entity Health, a line of Australian-made natural health supplements that address specific health and skin conditions at a cellular level. Entity Health's best-selling liver-health supplement, LiviUp contains the key active ingredients of Hovenia dulcis and Milk Thistle[1], traditionally used in Western herbal medicine, to support natural liver and body cleansing and detoxification. It can be taken prior to alcohol consumption to reduce the negative effects caused by alcohol build up in the cells, including red flushes.

Through the survey, Entity Health found that 22 per cent of Aussies experience hangovers – even a mild one – at least once a month. However, the prevalence was highest among respondents in their thirties. Twenty-three (23) per cent of this age group admitted to having a hangover at least once a week – compared with just 13 per cent of 18-29 year olds who have a hangover at least once a week. Forty-four (44) per cent of respondents in their thirties admitted to suffering a hangover at least once a month, compared with 35 per cent of 18-29 year olds.

Consulting dietitian at Entity Health, Teri Lichtenstein, says: "The results indicate that drinking peaks in our thirties, and this may be a time in our lives when our bodies suffer the effects from excess alcohol more easily. Further data from the survey supports this: there is a significant drop in hangover rates among respondents in their forties: just 9 per cent had a hangover at least every week, and 20 per cent had a hangover at least every month."

What are Aussies' go-to hangover remedies – and do they work?

Respondents were asked to choose which cures – out of eight variables – they turn to for alleviating negative symptoms of a hangover: drinking extra fluids, eating greasy or fatty meals, eating carbohydrates, taking aspirin or ibuprofen, drinking tea or coffee, taking a liver tonic or supplement, sleeping for longer, or just waiting it out and doing nothing.

Drinking extra fluids such as water or an electrolyte drink is the most common hangover cure, with 69 per cent of Aussie drinkers turning to it. Thirty-six (36) per cent sleep for longer to alleviate negative symptoms, while 29 per cent take aspirin or ibuprofen. A further 26 per cent turn to eating a greasy or fatty meal.

Respondents were also asked which 'treatment' methods they find don't work well to cure a hangover. A significant 34 per cent of Aussies think eating greasy or fatty meals does not cure a hangover. Despite most drinking extra fluids to cure the hangover, 29 per cent of respondents feel that this method of treatment does not help, while a further 29 per cent say having coffee or tea also doesn't reduce hangover symptoms. Other 'cures' Aussies think don't work well include sleeping longer and eating carbohydrates, at 22 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively.

Entity Health asked what preventative means Aussies take to avoid a hangover. Consuming water or non-alcohol beverages between drinks is the go-to measure for 58 per cent of respondents who have experienced hangovers. Ensuring they've eaten well prior to drinking was the next common response, used by 51 per cent of respondents, while 40 per cent eat between drinking. Not mixing different types of alcohols is another preventative method to avoid a hangover, used by 30 per cent of Aussies who drink.

Teri continues: "The best way to minimise hangover symptoms and not feel the negative effects is to cut back or avoid drinking altogether. However, we understand that drinking is a common part of events and parties during the festive season. Keeping drinking to a minimum – two or three glasses, with food and water in between each – helps to keep the hangovers at bay. Make sure you intersperse the alcoholic drinks with glasses of water to stay hydrated and be aware of the size of your glass as often a drink served at a party can contain 2-3 standard servings of alcohol in one go! To help manage the festive season, make sure you eat well, exercise regularly and have at least a few no-alcohol days during the week."

How often do you experience a hangover from drinking – even a mild hangover?
At least once a week 10%
At least once a fortnight 15%
At least once a month 22%
At least once every couple of months 28%
At least once every three months 32%
At least twice a year 38%

At least once a year 43%
Rarely 22%
Never 35%

When you have a hangover, what cures do you turn to alleviate negative symptoms?
I drink extra fluids such as water or an electrolyte drink 69%
I sleep for longer 36%
I take aspirin or ibuprofen 29%
I eat a greasy or fatty meal 26%
I drink tea or coffee 24%
I eat carbohydrates 15%
Nothing – I just wait it out 11%
I take a liver tonic or supplement 4%

Which of the below hangover 'treatment' methods do you find don't work well to cure hangovers?
Eating a greasy or fatty meal 24%
Drinking extra fluids such as water or an electrolyte drink 20%
Drinking tea or coffee 20%
Sleeping longer 15%
Eating carbohydrates 14%
Taking a liver supplement or tonic 14%
Taking aspirin or ibuprofen 13%
I don't try to treat hangovers 8%
I don't get hangovers 31%
What do you do to avoid a hangover?
I ensure I drink water or non-alcoholic drinks between alcoholic drinks 58%
I ensure I have eaten well prior to drinking 51%
I eat between drinking 40%
I get enough sleep after drinking 33%
I don't mix different types of alcohols 30%
I avoid certain types of alcohols 24%
I take a liver supplement or tonic prior to drinking 6%
I take aspirin or ibuprofen prior to drinking 6%
I don't avoid hangovers 6%

Photo by Kelsey Knight on Unsplash