How Can I Avoid A Halloween Hangover?

Every Halloween, as the costumes come out and the parties begin, many of us indulge in a little more than just sweets. But waking up with a post-Halloween hangover is a fright no one wants. Why do we often associate this spooky holiday with spirited celebrations? In this article, we'll uncover the connection, and more importantly, share top tips to help you avoid the Halloween hangover blues. After all, the only scares should come from the costumes, not the morning after.

Why do we celebrate Halloween?

According to The Wiley Network, the origins of Halloween are believed to lie in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain, translated as "summer's end," marked the conclusion of the harvest season and was a stark reminder of the approaching winter. 

Samhain used to be celebrated on what is now November 1, but we now celebrate Halloween on the 31st of October. Britannica, the organisation behind the Encyclopedia Britannica, also added that Samhain was a time when the Celts thought the souls of the dead returned to their homes. To protect themselves and ward off any malevolent spirits, people would don costumes and ignite bonfires. It's from these ancient practices that our modern associations with witches, ghosts, and goblins during Halloween have evolved.

Is drinking common during Halloween?

Yes, drinking is common during Halloween and certain other holidays. The average number of drinks consumed by individuals tends to increase compared to typical non-holiday periods. On the other hand, during family-oriented holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, while the number of people indulging in alcohol goes up, the amount they drink on average often decreases (Patrick & Azar, 2018). Usually, people tend to participate in Halloween events for a few days around the 31st of October, something which is sometimes known as Halloweekend (Fitzke et al, 2023). 

Less generalised, Halloween tends to be a holiday associated with higher consumption of alcohol by students (Neighbors et al, 2012). Students tend to drink more at the start of each semester and cut back during examination periods. Whilst drinking tends to peak at weekends, there are exceptions including Halloween, New Year’s Eve and St Patrick’s Day (Tremblay et al, 2010). 

Is drinking alcohol during Halloween common in the UK?

Yes, drinking during Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Halloween has emerged as a significant sales period for the on-trade sector, trailing only behind occasions like Christmas, New Year, and Bank Holidays. The growing influence of American culture and the commercialisation of Halloween among children in recent decades has led to a new generation of adults embracing the celebration in pubs and clubs. Notably, while one in five adults celebrates Halloween, this figure rises to one in three for individuals aged between 18-24. Almost a quarter of this age group specifically visit pubs for Halloween festivities. Consumer spending on Halloween has also seen an upward trend, with expenditures reaching £320 million in 2017 and projections indicating a rise in the subsequent years. These figures are according to LWC, an independent alcohol wholesaler.

Can social media influence how much alcohol people drink?

Social media does influence Halloween drinking. Interactions with alcohol-related content on social media lead to heightened perceptions of normative drinking among young people (aged 18-20). Furthermore, these perceptions, combined with beliefs about their close friends' drinking habits, correlate with an increased number of drinks consumed during Halloween. Both alcohol-related social media activity and the perceived drinking habits of close friends play a significant role in shaping the drinking behaviours of young individuals during Halloween celebrations (Alhabash et al, 2021).

Are drinking-related injuries more likely during Halloween?

Yes, according to Gowing Law, drinking-related injuries are more likely during Halloween. Drunk driving is a prevalent issue during the celebration, leading to road traffic accidents (RTAs). With increased festivities and people attending bars, parties, or other events, there's a heightened risk of individuals choosing to drive while intoxicated. Additionally, distractions are rife on Halloween, with both drivers and pedestrians often not paying adequate attention to the roads. Pedestrians, sometimes unpredictably, might cross the street without using designated areas, like zebra crossings or traffic light systems.

Beyond traffic-related incidents, Halloween sees a rise in accidents due to excessive alcohol consumption. Intoxicated individuals might engage in risky behaviours, including initiating fights. Such altercations can lead to criminal injuries, ranging from minor bruises to severe harm such as organ damage. In extreme cases, these confrontations can even result in fatal incidents.

How Can I Avoid A Halloween Hangover?

Avoiding a Halloween hangover requires a combination of moderation, preparation, and aftercare. Here are some basic things you can do to avoid getting a fright on November 1st:

Drink less 

According to Drink Aware, the very best way to avoid a hangover is to simply drink less. This may sounds obvious, but choosing to have a small wine instead of a large wine, or a single mixer rather than a double (or even a treble) will mean you do not get as bad of a hangover.

Eat foods rich in zinc and nicotinic acid 

In a 2019 study, it was suggested that eating foods rich in zinc and nicotinic acid helped people to experience less hangovers than people who did not (Verster et al, 2019). Foods that are rich in zinc and nicotinic acid include:

• Oysters

• Red meat such as beef, lamb and pork

• Chicken

• Seafood including tuna

• Eggs

• Nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, cashews and almonds

• Mushrooms

• Avocado

Drink more water 

Drinking water is beneficial in alleviating hangovers because alcohol causes dehydration. One of the main reasons people experience symptoms like headaches and a general feeling of discomfort after drinking is due to this dehydration. By hydrating with water, you replenish the lost fluids, combat the effects of dehydration, and deter further alcohol consumption in the process (Martin, 2010).

Take a Myrkl hangover pill 

Myrkl is designed to help combat the effects of hangovers. Its formula, which is the result of over 30 years of research and development, targets the after-effects of alcohol consumption. The key components in Myrkl, such as L-cysteine and high-performing bacteria, play roles in breaking down toxins that contribute to hangovers. Additionally, Myrkl is enriched with vitamin B12, which aids in reducing the fatigue and tiredness often associated with hangovers.

What is the NHS' advice for enjoying the Halloween festivities?

The NHS provides the following advice for staying safe during Halloween for both people that are going to be drinking and those who will not:

• Enjoy yourself but remain safe

• Visit organised firework displays

• Beware of injuries caused by fireworks, bonfires or drinking

When is it recommended to take Myrkl?

According to the official website for Myrkl, it is recommended to take Myrkl approximately 2 hours before you start drinking to achieve the best results in preventing hangover symptoms. By taking it in advance, it allows the ingredients in Myrkl to effectively prepare your body and combat the negative effects of alcohol.

Can I buy Myrkl at UK Meds this Halloween?

Yes, you can purchase Myrkl from UK Meds this Halloween. UK Meds offer Myrkl to purchase online, making it convenient for you to get in preparation for your Halloween celebrations.

Sources

• UKMeds - Myrkl

• Myrkl - About Us

• UKMeds - Myrkl Information