You’re at a party, the drinks are flowing, and before you know it, you’ve had one too many. Someone—probably that one friend who swears they know everything—tells you to just “get it out of your system” by throwing up. Sounds like a quick fix, right? But does it actually help? More importantly, is it even safe?
Let’s break it down.
The Science of Throwing Up Alcohol
Alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream primarily through your stomach and small intestine. Once it’s in, your liver takes over, working overtime to break it down. By the time you feel tipsy (or worse, nauseous), much of the alcohol is already in your system. Puking might get rid of what’s left in your stomach, but it won’t magically erase the alcohol in your blood.
More importantly, vomiting doesn’t prevent a hangover. The dreaded next-morning headache, nausea, and fatigue come from dehydration, inflammation, and your body trying to process toxins like acetaldehyde—one of the nastier byproducts of alcohol metabolism.
Is It Ever Safe to Make Yourself Vomit After Drinking?
In most cases, no. Inducing vomiting after drinking can actually make things worse. Here’s why:
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Risk of Choking: If you’re already drunk, your gag reflex is slower. This means a real risk of choking on your own vomit, especially if you pass out.
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Dehydration: Alcohol is already dehydrating. Vomiting on top of that? You’re losing even more fluids and electrolytes, making your hangover even worse.
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Esophagus Damage: Stomach acid is harsh. Forcing yourself to vomit can cause irritation, inflammation, and even small tears in your esophagus. Ever had a sore throat after a night of heavy drinking? This is why.
- False Sense of Security: Thinking you’re fine after throwing up might lead you to keep drinking, making the situation even worse.
When Is Vomiting a Sign of Something Serious?
If you’re throwing up uncontrollably, can’t keep water down, or notice blood in your vomit, it’s time to seek medical attention. These could be signs of alcohol poisoning, which is serious and potentially life-threatening.
What Should You Do Instead?
If you’ve overdone it and feel queasy, here are safer ways to handle it:
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Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water, coconut water, or an electrolyte drink can help replenish lost fluids.
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Eat something light. Crackers, toast, or soup can help settle your stomach.
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Rest. Your liver needs time to process the alcohol, and sleep is your best ally.
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Take an anti-hangover supplement. Products like Locohol are designed to support your body’s detox processes, reducing the severity of hangovers.
The Verdict: Puking Won’t Save You
While vomiting may provide temporary relief if you’re feeling sick, it won’t prevent a hangover, and it definitely isn’t a safe solution. Instead, focus on drinking responsibly, pacing yourself, and staying hydrated.
If you’re looking for a smarter way to avoid a brutal morning after, check out Locohol’s blog for more expert-backed tips on drinking smarter and recovering faster.
Drink smart. Stay safe. And if you’re feeling rough, don’t reach for the toilet bowl—reach for a bottle of water instead.