Football season in the Valley means tailgates, watch parties and a lot of Sunday mornings that feel worse than the final score. Here’s how to keep the fun and lose less of the next day.
Know what a “drink” is
One standard drink is 12 ounces of 5% beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. A strong craft beer can carry several times the alcohol of a regular one, and a mixed drink can hold more than one serving.
Know where the line is
For men, five or more drinks within two hours is a binge, according to Mayo Clinic. That’s the pace where hangovers get ugly and alcohol poisoning becomes a real risk.
Before kickoff
Eat a real meal. Food in your stomach slows how fast alcohol hits.
During the game
Alternate every drink with water. Clear liquor tends to treat people better than dark, since bourbon and other dark spirits carry more congeners, byproducts that can worsen hangovers for some.
The morning after
Water, electrolytes, food and sleep. Skip the “hair of the dog,” which can drag a hangover out. Symptoms peak once your blood alcohol hits zero and can last a full day.
When water won’t stay down
If you can’t keep water down, that’s where an IV helps. Our Hangover Help drip ($250) delivers fluids, electrolytes and vitamins straight to your bloodstream, plus nausea and headache medication when our provider orders it, in about 30 to 60 minutes, with a registered nurse in the room. Bring the crew: we can run six chairs at once.
Know when it’s an emergency
Confusion, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, blue or pale skin, or someone who can’t be woken up means alcohol poisoning. Call 911, and don’t leave them alone.
