Doctor Nguyen Duy Toan from the Emergency Department at Duc Giang General Hospital explains that when you feel drunk, a significant amount of alcohol has already been absorbed into your bloodstream through the stomach lining and small intestine. Inducing vomiting at this point only removes a small amount of food and alcohol remaining in the stomach; it cannot eliminate the alcohol already in your blood. Vomiting does not miraculously make you sober, contrary to popular belief.

While inducing vomiting or gastric lavage is used for poisoned individuals to reduce toxin absorption and improve symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or intoxication, intentionally inducing vomiting to eliminate alcohol is unscientific and poses many health risks.

Alcohol itself dehydrates you by increasing urination. Deliberately vomiting further depletes your body of water and vital electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, making the headache and fatigue the next morning even more severe. Additionally, inducing vomiting with long fingernails or excessive force can injure your throat, potentially harming the esophagus and stomach, and disrupting the digestive system of the intoxicated person.

After consuming alcohol, do not try to induce vomiting to recover or drive, as this can endanger lives. Photo: Quick Startaz

After drinking alcohol, you can eat light snacks like toast, crackers, or applesauce to replenish energy. It is advisable to eat fruits such as mangoes, grapes, oranges, pears, and bananas, and drink ginger water, coconut water, or watermelon juice to rehydrate. A bowl of thin porridge can also help your body recover better before resting.

Here is guidance on self-calculating blood alcohol content and the time required to bring it to zero after finishing your drink:

Doctor Nguyen Duy Toan

Emergency Department, Duc Giang General Hospital