I remember when I was in my early 20s, drinking with friends in their late 20s would tell me that about how when they turned 28 or so, hangovers got substantially worse. And me, being the typical cocky 25 year old, I would always think to myself, “Yeah, maybe for you. I actually drink, so hangovers aren’t really a thing.” And then, the next morning, when I had a slightly upset stomach or just the faintest of headaches, I’d be like, “I’ll be able to handle this forever. I mean, what people are complaining about? It’s like a mild cold. I’m fine.” And for whatever reason, I thought it was going to stay that way.
As I hit my late 20s, friends who were the same age had similar complaints, that they couldn’t drink like they used to. As they told it, a serious night of drinking meant a serious day of borderline incapacitation. Naturally I assumed they’d gone soft, which, obviously, wouldn’t happen to me. I’m a young(ish) urban professional, who hits the town hard 1-3 nights a week. I exercise occasionally and when my girlfriend is around, I eat somewhat healthy. And, I’ve been going out regularly since college. Hangovers will STAY only a minor inconvenience.
However, it’s finally happened. In the last year, a year in which I’ve made a point to not slow down my social drinking schedule, despite having had a handful of my San Francisco drinking bros either move away or become far more domesticated via marriages and children and lack of verve, my hangovers have finally started to really, really suck. Last night, at a special dinner with my special lady, I probably had a little over a bottle of red wine, (plus a couple glasses of champagne and a bourbon cocktail pre-dinner). Not exactly an easy night of boozing, but hardly a crazy bender (by my standards). The result, I’ve been a complete piece of shit all day, barely capable of getting any work done, due to a full-body ache, skull-numbing head and stomach that feels like it’s been on a road trip through Colonel Sanders septic tank. (I don’t know what that means, but its pretty much how I feel). So, I’ve come up with a couple options of ways to deal with this mid-life development, none of which I’m very excited about. I could either:
- Drink less, which is unlikely, because I really enjoy a night on the town. Also, if I drink less, that means the hangovers will be even worse, right?
- Plan a sick day for the next day, in advance of any serious night of drinking.
- Drink more water/eat more vegetables. Will that work? I’m not sure that will work.
- Suck it up and not complain.
- Drink…..more. Because my tolerance will be higher? Is that a thing?
That’s what I got. Hit me up if you have any ideas.
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Henry Goldman is a video producer, culture person and founder of yr an adult. He’s feeling better, thanks.