Key Takeaways:
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Does alcohol dehydrate you? Yes, drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause dehydration.
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This is because alcohol is a diuretic- it causes increased production of urine.
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Symptoms of alcohol dehydration include dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst, and headaches.
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Drinking fluids and replenishing electrolytes can help you recover from alcohol dehydration.
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Call 911 if you feel nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, slurred speech, fainting, or seizures.
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Regular alcohol dehydration can lead to kidney issues, seizures, and hypovolemic shock.
People who regularly use alcohol often wonder: does drinking alcohol dehydrate you? The answer is yes - alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it dehydrates the body. Alcohol is classed as a diuretic because it causes increased urine production in the body. People who regularly drink alcohol may feel constantly thirsty, or experience other adverse effects of dehydration.
This article will explore unhealthy drinking habits and the effects of dehydration that it causes. Read on if you’d like to understand why alcohol dehydrates the body, the signs of alcohol-induced dehydration, tips on how to recover from dehydration, and practical ideas on how to avoid the alcohol dehydration reaction.
Why does dehydration from alcohol happen?
When the body senses that it is beginning to become dehydrated, it naturally produces a hormone known as Vasopressin. Vasopressin reduces the bodily need to urinate, helping the body to retain fluid. But alcohol naturally reduces the production of vasopressin in the body, causing the drinker to urinate more often than usual.
The more alcohol you drink, the slower the rate of vasopressin that is produced. This means that the more you drink, the more you’ll urinate, leaving you increasingly more dehydrated. Additionally, drinking alcohol beverages that are higher in alcohol content cause a higher rate of dehydration.
Alcohol dehydration vs dehydration of alcohol:
There is a distinct difference between alcohol dehydration, and the dehydration of alcohol. Alcohol dehydration refers to when the body reacts to an overload of alcohol by causing an increase in urination, a decrease in the fluid in the body, and, ultimately, dehydration.
On the other hand, the dehydration of alcohol is actually a chemical reaction where alcohol is heated along with a strong acid to produce alkenes. The alcohol loses two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom per each atom, because the water content is leaving the alcohol - thereby dehydrating it. This method is also called dehydrogenation.
Symptoms of alcohol dehydration:
If you or a loved one has had one drink too many, you may be experiencing a range of symptoms related to hangover. However, it’s important to identify symptoms of dehydration so you can take action to reverse the damage. Here are the symptoms of alcohol dehydration:
- Dark urine
- Extreme thirst
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Other symptoms of hangover, like nausea and vomiting, can exacerbate the symptoms of dehydration. Additionally, all other symptoms like fatigue and elevated sensitivity to light and sound are amplified when the person is dehydrated.
How to prevent alcohol dehydration:
The most effective way to avoid alcohol dehydration is by limiting the amount of alcohol you drink. If you can’t eliminate alcohol completely form your diet, try lowering the amount of drinks you take at the next party, and see if you feel better afterwards.
If you know you’ll be drinking alcohol, try to drink a sufficient amount of water before and during the party. You can also drink electrolyte drinks or any other beverages that can help you stay hydrated. Finally, space out your alcoholic drinks and don’t consume anything high in fat or sugar, as they increase the need for hydration.
How to recover from alcohol dehydration:
There are many myths about different things you can do to recover from dehydration caused by alcohol. The truth is that other than drinking lots of water to replenish the body’s supply, there isn’t much you can do. If you don’t like to drink water, you can drink caffeine-free tea, flavored water, or even milk. You can also eat fruit and vegetables that have a high water content, such as cucumbers and watermelon.
Of course, avoid fatty, sugary, or salty food and beverages so you don’t risk further dehydrating your body. Drinking water can have an immediate effect, but if it doesn’t, be patient. After a few hours of drinking, you will feel a noticeable change in your body. It’s also wise to replenish the lost supply of electrolytes in the body by drinking electrolyte drinks or eating foods high in electrolytes.
When to seek medical assistance:
Although dehydration from alcohol can usually be treated at home, there are several signs that you may need medical assistance. Call 911 right away if you suspect you may be dehydrated, and are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Fainting
- Delirium
- Persistent dizziness
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Muscle twitching
- Increase in heart rate
Risks of constant dehydration:
If you or a loved one constantly binge drinks and finds themselves dehydrated, it’s important to understand the long-term effects. When a person is regularly dehydrated, they can develop kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and even complete or partial kidney failure.
The lack of electrolyte balance in the body can trigger muscle twitches and seizures, and, in rare cases, the person can experience hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock refers to a condition where low blood volume causes a decrease in blood pressure and oxygen levels, which can be fatal.
Safe drinking practices:
To avoid dehydration and other side effects of overconsumption of alcohol, like hangover, start practicing healthier drinking habits. For starters, drink moderately. Follow the guidelines for your age, gender, and medical history to know how much is safe for you to drink. If at all possible, try not to drink alcohol at all.
The general guidelines state that men can drink two cups or less per day, whereas women should not exceed one cup of alcohol a day. It is also important to note that different alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, vodka, and liquor, contain different percentages of alcohol and therefore the amount that is consumed should be adjusted.
Conclusion:
Alcohol dehydration is a serious issue, especially when it occurs frequently. If you or someone you love is struggling with overconsumption of alcohol or alcohol binge drinking, you may be dealing with a serious crisis. Being unable to control the amount you drink puts you at risk for alcohol use disorder, mental health disorders, and irreversible internal organ damage.
At Avenues Recovery, we have helped thousands of people struggling with alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder. Through our various rehab centers nationwide, we have guided our patients through medical detox, therapy, and long-term sobriety. Our professionally trained, compassionate staff are incredibly supportive and helpful, guiding you to a life of serenity, freedom, and emotional health.
Reach out today to begin your journey home!