Research conducted by the Open University has found that the severity of hangovers is more closely linked to an individual’s perceived level of intoxication rather than the actual number of alcoholic beverages consumed. The study, which involved nearly 1,200 participants from the UK and Ireland, reveals that those who feel more drunk tend to experience worse hangover symptoms.
Participants were asked about their drinking habits, specifically focusing on their heaviest drinking episode in the past month. They reported the total number of drinks consumed and rated their level of drunkenness on a scale from zero to ten. The study’s findings indicate that how drunk individuals felt accounted for approximately 64 percent of the variance in hangover severity, while the quantity of alcohol consumed was responsible for only an 11 percent impact.
The implications of this research suggest that individuals may benefit from monitoring not only their alcohol intake but also their feelings of intoxication. Dr. Lydia Devenney, the lead researcher, stated, “This has implications for how we manage our hangovers. Your future self may thank you for not just keeping an eye on how much you drink, but also checking in with how you feel and remembering what’s ‘normal’ for you before ordering that next round.”
Understanding Hangover Severity
The study also examined the influence of personality traits and mood on hangover experiences. Interestingly, factors such as whether participants identified as neurotic or extroverted did not significantly correlate with the severity of hangovers. Instead, feelings of drunkenness emerged as a more critical factor.
The research was presented at the 14th Alcohol Hangover Research Group Meeting held in Glasgow on December 25, 2025. This annual meeting serves as a platform for scientists and researchers to discuss findings related to alcohol consumption and its effects.
In light of the study’s results, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) continues to recommend that adults limit their alcohol intake to no more than 14 units per week, which equates to approximately six glasses of wine or pints of beer.
As holiday gatherings and celebrations often lead to increased alcohol consumption, understanding the relationship between perceived intoxication and hangover severity may help individuals make more informed choices about their drinking habits. The findings could promote a more mindful approach to alcohol consumption, potentially reducing the discomfort associated with hangovers in the future.
