A hangover can really wreck your day, and sometimes it can wreck several days. There are so many so-called hangover cures out there, from disgusting shakes you're supposed to make in the blender, to specific, greasy meals that promise to magically make you feel better after choking them down. The thing is, most of these hangover cures don't really work. But there is one that does: IV drip therapy. Here's a closer look at IV drip therapy and how it can make you feel functional again after a night out on the town.
What is IV drip therapy?
You've probably seen IV treatments performed in the hospital. IV drip therapy works the same way, but instead of being given medications through the IV, you're just given fluids and nutrients. You'll lie back on a bed, have a practitioner insert an IV needle into your arm, and then rest while the fluid in the bag slowly drips into your bloodstream. This whole process typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
How does IV drip therapy help with hangovers?
IV therapy helps with hangovers by rehydrating you. Many of your hangover symptoms are directly or indirectly due to dehydration since alcohol dehydrates the body. Drinking water only replaces water, not the electrolytes lost while you drink. And it can take quite a while to work since the water has to be absorbed through your digestive tract and into your bloodstream. Even electrolyte beverages won't address hangover dehydration immediately. IV therapy delivers the water and electrolytes needed directly into your bloodstream so you start feeling better instantly.
IV drip therapy solutions may also contain some anti-inflammatory nutrients to help further ease your headache and other symptoms. The electrolytes they contain — especially calcium and magnesium — can help ease any muscle aches you're experiencing.
Where can you get IV drip therapy?
This treatment is becoming more and more common at health spas and similar venues. Since hangovers are not usually something you plan ahead for, most places do accept walk-ins for treatment. You might want to call ahead to make sure you can get treatment and also to find out how much it costs.
If you wake up with a hangover and do not want to waste the next 24–48 hours recovering, then you should look into IV drip therapy options in your area. A session will have you feeling better within an hour.