Fever After Drinking: Understanding the Connection and When to Seek Help

For many people, the impact of alcohol can vary significantly, ranging from mild headaches or nausea to more serious physical issues, particularly after extended periods of heavy drinking. One often overlooked symptom is the occurrence of a fever following alcohol consumption. If you find yourself dealing with persistent or severe symptoms after drinking, it’s crucial to understand how to approach fever after drinking alcohol treatment for your health and well-being.

While it may seem like a temporary reaction to a night out, a fever after alcohol consumption could indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention, such as alcohol use disorder or even alcohol poisoning. Those who have developed a dependence on alcohol due to long-term abuse frequently face withdrawal symptoms, which can include fever. Treatment options may involve a visit to the emergency room if symptoms are severe or considering alcohol rehabilitation if this is a frequent issue when not drinking.

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What Causes a Fever After Drinking Alcohol?

Alcohol can have varying effects on the body, including a sensation of warmth that doesn’t actually raise body temperature. Healthline notes that while a fever isn’t a typical symptom experienced after drinking alcohol, it is a possibility.

Moderate drinking typically doesn’t cause a fever, but heavy or frequent drinking can adversely affect various bodily systems, potentially leading to an increase in temperature or fever. Several factors can contribute to a fever after drinking, varying from minor to more serious. Here are some possible explanations:

• Alcohol-Induced Inflammation – Consuming alcohol can provoke an inflammatory response in the body, which may result in mild fever-like symptoms. Furthermore, alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and digestive tract, leading to a condition known as “alcohol-induced gastritis,” which might also cause fever.
• Dehydration – Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and potentially leading to dehydration. A mild fever can sometimes be associated with dehydration.
• Blood Sugar Disruption – Alcohol can disrupt the regulation of blood sugar, causing fluctuations that may result in fever, along with feelings of weakness and shakiness.
• Immune System Response – Alcohol can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. If someone is battling a viral or bacterial infection while consuming alcohol, this could lead to a fever developing afterward.
• Alcohol Intolerance or Allergy – Some individuals may experience an intolerance or allergy to alcohol or specific components in alcoholic beverages, resulting in symptoms such as fever, skin flushing, or hives.
• Alcohol Withdrawal – Those who regularly consume large quantities of alcohol and suddenly cut back may experience withdrawal symptoms, including fever. These symptoms can manifest within hours to a day after reducing alcohol intake.
• Liver Issues – Long-term alcohol use can result in liver damage or conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis, which may cause fever due to liver inflammation.
• Other Infections – Sometimes, a fever following alcohol consumption might simply be a coincidence, as it could stem from an unrelated infection that is worsened by the effects of alcohol.

What Helps a Fever After Drinking Alcohol?

Experiencing a fever after drinking alcohol may occur after drinking heavily and as part of a hangover. While there’s no quick fix for a hangover other than waiting it out, there are several strategies to alleviate the symptoms, including fever. Along with detoxing after a long weekend of drinking, here are some helpful tips:

1. Stay Hydrated – Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which is a major contributor to hangover symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages to help restore hydration levels.
2. Get Adequate Rest – Since alcohol can interfere with sleep patterns, ensuring enough rest is vital for your body to recover and combat any potential infections that may arise from a weakened immune system.
3. Over-the-counter Pain Relievers – Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce fever and inflammation. However, avoid using acetaminophen after heavy drinking or if you have liver issues, as it can be harmful to the liver.
4. Apply a Cool Compress – Placing a cool compress on your forehead or the back of your neck can provide relief from fever symptoms.
5. Focus on Whole Grains and Protein – Blood sugar fluctuations may cause a fever after alcohol consumption. To stabilize your levels, opt for meals rich in whole grains and protein.
6. Steer Clear of More Alcohol – While some may think that drinking more alcohol can alleviate a hangover, this often exacerbates symptoms, leads to further dehydration, and puts additional stress on the body.

What Are the Five Signs of Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning happens when excess alcohol in the bloodstream starts to affect life-supporting functions like breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. This serious and potentially fatal condition arises when someone consumes a large quantity of alcohol in a short timeframe, resulting in toxic levels that overwhelm the body’s ability to metabolize and eliminate it.

According to the Mayo Clinic, common signs of alcohol poisoning include:

1. Confusion and Disorientation – Difficulty concentrating, slurred speech, and inability to make rational decisions.
2. Vomiting – Persistent vomiting, even after stopping alcohol consumption.
3. Slow or Irregular Breathing – Fewer than eight breaths per minute or irregular breathing patterns.
4. Seizures – Uncontrolled muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, and foaming at the mouth.
5. Blue or Pale Skin – Cold, clammy skin that may appear bluish or pale due to reduced blood flow.

While fever can occur after drinking, individuals experiencing alcohol poisoning may actually develop hypothermia or low body temperature, as well. Alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention, so if you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, it’s essential to get help right away by calling emergency services.

When Should You Go to the Hospital for a Hangover?

However unpleasant, most hangovers do not require concern and go away alone. The Cleveland Clinic recommends seeking immediate medical attention if you or someone else has been drinking and shows signs of alcohol poisoning, such as irregular or slow breathing, hypothermia, confusion, difficulty staying awake, seizures, severe vomiting, or pale or blue skin.

Furthermore, there are additional warning signs of alcoholism and abuse during a hangover that may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical help the day after drinking. For instance, if vomiting is uncontrollable, lasts for several hours, or you cannot stop, it may lead to dehydration. Symptoms of severe dehydration include extreme thirst and feelings of faintness or dizziness.

Additionally, a sudden and severe headache could indicate a more serious issue, such as a concussion or brain hemorrhage, especially if it is accompanied by confusion, changes in vision, or trouble speaking.

Contact WhiteSands Treatment for Alcohol Rehab and Fever After Drinking Alcohol Treatment

Experiencing a fever as part of a hangover often follows a night of heavy or binge drinking. The consequences of regular binge drinking can be quite severe, leading to both physical and mental health issues, including the risk of alcohol poisoning and the potential for developing an addiction.

Fever after drinking alcohol treatment may require immediate medical attention if signs of alcohol poisoning are also present. It is also crucial to reexamine your relationship with alcohol, especially if this is happening often.

At WhiteSands Treatment, we recognize the challenges of alcohol addiction and are committed to offering compassionate, professional care that meets your individual needs. Our services encompass a full range of addiction treatments, including medical detoxification, which can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety throughout the process. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your path to recovery with evidence-based treatments and personalized care.

Contact WhiteSands Treatment today at 877-855-3470 to speak to a specialist about treatment options and take the first step toward recovery.

External Sources

• Healthline – Can a Hangover Cause a Fever?
• Mayo Clinic – Alcohol Poisoning
• Cleveland Clinic – Hangover

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.