BLOG

Can IV Therapy Cure a Hangover?

Cutler Integrative Health offers IV therapy treatment to help relieve hangover symptoms and restore your body’s natural balance. When formulated correctly, IV therapy can help ease hangover symptoms. Read on to learn more about IV therapy and why the physician you choose to administer it will ultimately determine how well it works.

IV Therapy Overview

Drinking too much takes a considerable toll on the body’s systems. Hangovers are the result. And since each person’s body responds to alcohol in different ways, no one-size-fits-all remedy for hangover relief will work for everyone. 

Fortunately, IV therapies can be tailor-made to address your body’s specific hangover needs, and that’s one of Cutler Integrative Medicine’s specialties.

Scientific Evidence and Effectiveness — Do IV Drips Work for Hangovers?

Understanding the Science Behind IV Therapy for Hangovers

Intravenous (IV) therapy is often marketed as a fast-track remedy for hangovers. But does it really work? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. While IV drips can quickly restore lost fluids and deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream, their overall effectiveness for treating hangovers is still a topic of debate.

Hydration is a major factor in hangover relief. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing the body to lose fluids at an accelerated rate. This dehydration can lead to symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness. IV therapy can help by replenishing these lost fluids more rapidly than drinking water or sports drinks.

However, hangovers aren’t just about dehydration. They involve multiple factors such as inflammation, disrupted sleep, and toxic by-products like acetaldehyde, which the liver struggles to break down. While IV drips might help mitigate some dehydration-related symptoms, they don’t directly address these deeper biological processes.

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine found that using IV fluids for individuals experiencing acute alcohol intoxication did not significantly reduce recovery time or alleviate symptoms like nausea and headaches. This finding suggests that while IV therapy may provide temporary relief, it’s not a universal solution.

So why do so many people claim it works? Part of it might be due to the placebo effect. When patients believe they are receiving a remedy, they tend to feel better, even if the treatment has limited physiological impact. Additionally, the experience of professional care in a clinic setting might enhance this perceived benefit.

In conclusion, while IV therapy can help with rehydration and nutrient replenishment, it is not a cure-all for hangovers. More research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.

IV Therapy Detroit

How a Hangover Affects Your Body

As sad as this truth may be, your body considers alcohol as a toxin. In effect, alcohol irritates your major systems, and your body has to work hard to break it down and flush it out. Also, when blood-alcohol levels run too high, alcohol’s effects may start to interfere with your body’s ability to break down and absorb nutrients from food.

Here are just a few problems too much alcohol can cause:

  • Irritates your stomach lining
  • Dehydration 
  • Causes your blood sugar to drop
  • Triggers an inflammatory response in your immune system
  • Interferes with your circulatory system

A hangover IV treatment is formulated to restore your body’s chemical balance and provide relief from a hangover. It’s also essential to choose a doctor that knows how to use a hangover IV treatment. Dr. Cutler of Cutler Integrative Medicine uses a holistic approach to help restore the body’s natural balance.

What Is IV Therapy?

IV Nutrient Therapy or intravenous therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and medication directly into your bloodstream, so you’ll feel its effects quickly. The infusion of nutrients helps replenish the body’s systems, promoting a feeling of health and wellness. 

When formulated according to your body’s needs, IV therapy can even help prevent a hangover from taking hold. At Cutler Integrative Medicine, we customize our formulas based on a patient’s specific needs.

What’s in a Hangover IV Drip?

Breaking Down the Ingredients of Hangover IV Therapy

The contents of a hangover IV drip can vary significantly depending on the provider and the specific symptoms it aims to target. However, most drips include a few standard ingredients designed to combat dehydration and restore the body’s balance.

The base of nearly every hangover IV drip is a saline solution. This mixture of water and sodium chloride is crucial for rehydration and restoring electrolyte balance. By delivering this solution directly into the bloodstream, IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, allowing for quicker rehydration compared to drinking fluids.

In addition to saline, hangover IV drips often contain B-complex vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B6, and B12. These vitamins are vital because excessive alcohol consumption can inhibit the absorption of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies that worsen hangover symptoms like fatigue and brain fog. B-complex vitamins help replenish these lost nutrients and support energy production.

Another common ingredient is magnesium, which can alleviate muscle cramps and tension. Alcohol depletes magnesium levels, and replenishing it through an IV drip may help reduce discomfort and improve overall relaxation.

For nausea and vomiting, anti-nausea medications like ondansetron are sometimes included in the drip. These medications work to block the receptors in the brain that trigger nausea, providing faster relief than oral alternatives.

Lastly, antioxidants such as glutathione are frequently added. Glutathione helps detoxify the liver and reduce oxidative stress caused by alcohol metabolism. It can support liver function and potentially minimize long-term damage associated with heavy drinking.

While these ingredients can provide targeted relief for various symptoms, the effectiveness of each depends on the individual’s specific needs and how the body responds to the therapy.

 

How IV Therapy Can Help

Benefits of hangover IV therapy include:

  • Boost energy levels
  • Rapid rehydration
  • Relief from nausea
  • Headache relief
  • Flushes out toxins
  • Nutrients go directly to your body’s cells
  • Decreases stress and anxiety levels

At Cutler Integrative Medicine, we have one of the only FDA-compliant IV Nutrient Therapy Clinics in the State of Michigan. And as a licensed naturopathic physician, Dr. Cutler can produce a hangover IV therapy based on your physical makeup, dietary habits, stress levels, and lifestyle.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of IV Therapy

Considering the Safety of IV Hangover Treatments

IV therapy is generally safe but carries some risks. Common side effects include vein irritation and infection at the injection site. There’s also a chance of electrolyte imbalances or fluid overload, which can be serious for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Choosing a reputable provider is crucial. Ensure that your treatment is administered by licensed professionals to minimize potential complications. Discuss your medical history and any concerns with the provider to guarantee a safe experience.

IV Hangover Cure Cost — What You Need to Know

Understanding the Price of Hangover Relief

Hangover IV therapy costs typically range from $100 to $400. The price varies based on the type of ingredients, the clinic’s location, and any additional services included, such as in-home visits. Standard drips usually cover hydration and basic vitamins, while more expensive options include add-ons like antioxidants and anti-nausea medications.

Since this is considered an elective treatment, insurance does not usually cover it, meaning you’ll likely have to pay out-of-pocket. Some clinics offer discounts or packages for frequent customers, which can lower the cost. Understanding what’s included in your drip ensures you’re making a well-informed decision.

Take the Next Step

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Doug Cutler and his team of expert naturopathic providers to learn more about IV Nutrient Therapy. Call us at (248) 663-0165 today! Cutler Integrative Medicine is dedicated to your health and wellbeing.

Share This Post

More To Explore

Man with headache sitting on edge of bed, suffering from hangover. IV therapy as a hangover cure is discussed in this blog post by Cutler Integrative Medicine in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Cutler Integrative Medicine recommends IV Therapy as a good solution to fight the effects of a hangover. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Read More »