Alcohol consumption is a part of Vietnamese social culture, but the consequences of drunkenness on the body cannot be underestimated. The state of intoxication is essentially a process of ethanol poisoning, putting heavy pressure on the liver and central nervous system. To minimize harm and help the body recover as quickly as possible, we need to equip ourselves with scientific knowledge about alcohol detoxification. This article will provide detailed instructions on the steps to take when drunk and summarize safe and effective hangover remedies using natural ingredients.

1. Understand the symptoms of alcohol intoxication.

Drunkenness is not simply a feeling of lightheadedness or exhilaration; medically, it is a state of neurotoxicity caused by an accumulation of alcohol (ethanol) in the blood exceeding the liver's ability to metabolize it.

1.1. Why do we get drunk?

When you drink alcohol, the alcohol is not digested like food but is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the stomach (20%) and small intestine (80%).

Liver overload: The liver can only metabolize about 1 unit of alcohol per hour. When you drink too quickly, the liver doesn't have time to produce enough enzymes (ADH and ALDH) to break down ethanol into non-toxic substances.

Accumulation of toxins: Ethanol will metabolize into acetaldehyde – a substance 30 times more toxic than alcohol. This substance is the culprit behind headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Brain effects: Alcohol inhibits the central nervous system, slowing down the exchange of information between neurons, leading to a loss of behavioral and language control.

1.2. Levels of Drunkenness

Depending on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the state of intoxication is divided into common stages:

Alcohol content (BAC)	Status	Characteristic manifestations
0.03% - 0.12%	Excitement	Increased confidence, talkativeness, flushed face, reduced judgment.
0.09% - 0.25%	Incitement	Loss of balance, blurred vision, slow reflexes, emotional sensitivity.
0.18% - 0.30%	Chaotic	Disorientation, extreme dizziness, vomiting, and possibly "blackout" (temporary memory loss) may occur.
Above 0.35%	Danger	Coma, weak breathing, and a high risk of death if not treated promptly.

1.3. Differentiating between "Instant Drunkenness" and "Cold Drunkenness"

Instantaneous dizziness: Occurs during a drinking session, you feel dizzy and nauseous immediately.

Cold hangover: This is a condition where you feel very alert after drinking, but only experience severe headaches and general fatigue after waking up or a few hours later. This is because acetaldehyde is still silently damaging your body even after you've stopped drinking.

Important note: Understanding how to handle intoxication helps you know when to stop and when to seek emergency medical help, rather than relying solely on home remedies.

2. How to deal with drunkenness: From first aid to safe hangover relief.

When someone has become intoxicated, proper handling in the first few hours is crucial to avoid dangerous complications such as choking or hypoglycemia.

2.1. Safe first aid steps at the scene

Before thinking about what to give someone to drink to sober them up, you need to make sure the intoxicated person is in a safe condition:

• Correct lying position (Most important): If someone who is intoxicated needs to rest, place them on their right side or elevate their upper body with a pillow. This position helps prevent vomit from flowing back into the lungs and causing choking or airway obstruction if they vomit.
• Keep the body warm: Alcohol dilates blood vessels, causing the body to lose heat quickly. Cover the intoxicated person with a thin blanket and avoid having them lie directly under the airflow of an air conditioner or a large fan to prevent colds and strokes.
• Never let them drive themselves: This is an unbreakable rule to protect their lives and the lives of those around them.
• Avoid showering immediately: Whether hot or cold, showering while intoxicated causes a sudden change in body temperature, which can easily lead to vasoconstriction or dangerously low blood sugar.

2.2. How to quickly sober up with home remedies

The main goal of hangover relief is to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes to support the liver in eliminating toxins.

• Water: The simplest way. Drink in small sips continuously to dilute the alcohol concentration in your blood.
• Lemon/orange ginger water: Ginger helps warm the stomach, reduce nausea, and improve blood circulation. The vitamin C in lemons helps the liver function more efficiently.
• Coconut water: This is a "superfood" that replenishes electrolytes (potassium, sodium) lost due to the diuretic effect of alcohol consumption.
• Black bean or green bean water: Simmering beans until tender and drinking the resulting liquid helps to cool the body and detoxify the liver, which is very good for people suffering from hangovers.
• Tomato juice: Tomatoes are rich in fructose and vitamins that help speed up the process of metabolizing alcohol.

2.3. Mild nutritional supplementation

Once the person has sobered up a bit, give them a light snack:

• Hot plain rice porridge: Easy to digest, helps warm the stomach, and provides carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia.
• Bananas: Help replenish potassium – a mineral that is lost in large quantities after frequent urination due to drinking beer.

2.4. Things to avoid ("Taboo")

• Avoid using painkillers indiscriminately: Especially Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), as combining it with alcohol can cause serious liver damage.
• Do not induce vomiting excessively: This can damage the esophagus. Let your body eliminate the waste naturally.
• Avoid drinking carbonated soft drinks: The carbon dioxide (CO2) will speed up the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, making the hangover worse.

Concluding remarks

Hopefully, the tips above have helped you pocket some useful secrets to take care of yourself and your friends after every party. Being drunk isn't just a temporary state; it's your body sending signals that it needs protection. Remember, hangover remedies only address the symptoms; the best "medicine" for your health is still moderation at the party. Wishing you always have enjoyable, safe parties and start your next day with a clear mind!