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Joris C Verster - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Alcohol intoxication, but not Hangover, differentially impairs learning and automatization of complex motor response sequences
'Springer Science and Business Media LLC', 2021Co-Authors: Antje Opitz, Joris C Verster, Filippo Ghin, Jan Hubert, Christian Beste, Annkathrin StockAbstract:Abstract Behavioral automatization usually makes us more efficient and less error-prone, but may also foster dysfunctional behavior like alcohol abuse. Yet, it has remained unclear whether alcohol itself causes the shift from controlled to habitual behavior commonly observed in alcohol use disorder (AUD). We thus investigated how the acute and post-acute effects of binge drinking affect the automatization of motor response sequences and the execution of automated vs. controlled motor response sequences. N = 70 healthy young men performed a newly developed automatization paradigm once sober and once after binge drinking (half of them intoxicated and half of them hungover). While we found no significant effects of alcohol Hangover, acute intoxication (~ 1.2 ‰) had two dissociable effects: Firstly, it impaired the automatization of complex motor response sequence execution. Secondly, it eliminated learning effects in response selection and pre-motor planning processes. The results suggest that alcohol Hangover did not affect controlled or automated processes, and disprove the assumption that alcohol intoxication generally spares or facilitates motor response sequence automatization. As these effects could be specific to the investigated explicit learning context, acute intoxication might potentially still improve the execution of pre-existing automatisms and/or the implicit acquisition of motor response sequence automatisms
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the inflammatory response to alcohol consumption and its role in the pathology of alcohol Hangover
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Marlou Mackus, Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Johan Garssen, Oran Kwon, I M Krishnakumar, Aletta D KraneveldAbstract:An increasing number of studies are focusing on the inflammatory response to alcohol as a potentially important determinant of Hangover severity. In this article, data from two studies were re-evaluated to investigate the relationship between Hangover severity and relevant biomarkers of alcohol metabolism, oxidative stress and the inflammatory response to alcohol. Hangover severity was significantly and positively correlated with blood concentrations of biomarkers of the inflammatory response to alcohol, in particular, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). At 4 h after alcohol consumption, blood ethanol concentration (but not acetaldehyde) was significantly and positively associated with elevated levels of IL-6, suggesting a direct inflammatory effect of ethanol. In addition, biomarkers of oxidative stress, i.e., malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostrane, were significantly correlated with Hangover severity, suggesting that oxidative stress also contributes to the inflammatory response. The timing of the assessments suggests initial slow elimination of ethanol in the first hours after alcohol consumption. As a consequence, more ethanol is present in the second half of the night and the next morning, which will elicit more oxidative stress and a more profound inflammatory response. Together, these processes result in more severe Hangovers.
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perceived immune fitness individual strength and Hangover severity
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020Co-Authors: Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Johan Garssen, Aletta D Kraneveld, Nikki KerssemakersAbstract:Various factors may contribute to alcohol Hangover severity. The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate the possible impact of alcohol consumption patterns, perceived immune status, and baseline fatigue on Hangover severity. A survey was completed by a convenience sample of N = 199 Dutch students who reported on their latest past month’s heavy drinking occasion, including subjective intoxication (perceived drunkenness) and next-day Hangover severity, which were rated on single-item scales ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (extreme). In addition, perceived (momentary) immune fitness was assessed, and the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) was completed to assess baseline fatigue. The analysis revealed that instead of the amount of alcohol consumed or estimated blood alcohol concentration, it appeared that subjective intoxication (i.e., level of drunkenness) was the most important determinant of alcohol Hangover severity. Especially in men, albeit modest, it was perceived that immune fitness also significantly contributed to the level of Hangover severity experienced.
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updating the definition of the alcohol Hangover
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Sarah Benson, Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Annkathrin StockAbstract:In 2016, the Alcohol Hangover Research Group defined the alcohol Hangover as “the combination of mental and physical symptoms experienced the day after a single episode of heavy drinking, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero”. In the light of new findings and evidence, we carefully reviewed the different components of that definition. Several studies demonstrated that alcohol Hangovers are not limited to heavy drinking occasions. Instead, data from both student and non-student samples revealed that at a group level, alcohol Hangover may occur at much lower BAC levels than previously thought. Regression analysis further revealed that for individual drinkers, the occurrence of Hangovers is more likely when subjects consume more alcohol than they usually do. However, Hangovers may also occur at a drinker’s usual BAC, and in some cases even at lower BAC (e.g. in case of illness). We also carefully reviewed and modified other parts of the definition. Finally, Hangovers are not necessarily limited to the ‘next day’. They can start at any time of day or night, whenever BAC approaches zero after a single dinking occasion. This may also be on the same day as the drinking occasion (e.g. when drinking in, or until the morning and subsequently having a Hangover in the afternoon or evening). To better reflect the new insights and sharpen the description of the concept, we hereby propose to update the definition of the alcohol Hangover as follows: “The alcohol Hangover refers to the combination of negative mental and physical symptoms which can be experienced after a single episode of alcohol consumption, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero”, and recommend to use this new definition in future Hangover research.
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the assessment of overall Hangover severity
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Sarah Benson, Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Annkathrin StockAbstract:The aim of this study was to critically evaluate and compare the different methods to assess overall Hangover severity. Currently, there are three multi-item Hangover scales that are commonly used for this purpose. All of them comprise a number of Hangover symptoms for which an average score is calculated. These scales were compared to a single, 1-item scale assessing overall Hangover severity. The results showed that the Hangover symptom scales significantly underestimate (subjective) Hangover severity, as assessed with a 1-item overall Hangover severity scale. A possible reason for this could be that overall Hangover severity varies, depending on the frequency of occurrence of individual symptoms included in the respective scale. In contrast, it can be assumed that, when completing a 1-item overall Hangover scale, the rating includes all possible Hangover symptoms and their impact on cognitive and physical functioning and mood, thus better reflecting the actually experienced Hangover severity. On the other hand, solely relying on Hangover symptom scales may yield false positives in subjects who report not having a Hangover. When the average symptom score is greater than zero, this may lead to non-hungover subjects being categorized as having a Hangover, as many of the somatic and psychological Hangover symptoms may also be experienced without consuming alcohol (e.g., having a headache). Taken together, the current analyses suggest that a 1-item overall Hangover score is superior to Hangover symptom scales in accurately assessing overall Hangover severity. We therefore recommend using a 1-item overall Hangover rating as primary endpoint in future Hangover studies that aim to assess overall Hangover severity.
Aurora J A E Van De Loo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the inflammatory response to alcohol consumption and its role in the pathology of alcohol Hangover
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Marlou Mackus, Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Johan Garssen, Oran Kwon, I M Krishnakumar, Aletta D KraneveldAbstract:An increasing number of studies are focusing on the inflammatory response to alcohol as a potentially important determinant of Hangover severity. In this article, data from two studies were re-evaluated to investigate the relationship between Hangover severity and relevant biomarkers of alcohol metabolism, oxidative stress and the inflammatory response to alcohol. Hangover severity was significantly and positively correlated with blood concentrations of biomarkers of the inflammatory response to alcohol, in particular, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). At 4 h after alcohol consumption, blood ethanol concentration (but not acetaldehyde) was significantly and positively associated with elevated levels of IL-6, suggesting a direct inflammatory effect of ethanol. In addition, biomarkers of oxidative stress, i.e., malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostrane, were significantly correlated with Hangover severity, suggesting that oxidative stress also contributes to the inflammatory response. The timing of the assessments suggests initial slow elimination of ethanol in the first hours after alcohol consumption. As a consequence, more ethanol is present in the second half of the night and the next morning, which will elicit more oxidative stress and a more profound inflammatory response. Together, these processes result in more severe Hangovers.
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perceived immune fitness individual strength and Hangover severity
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020Co-Authors: Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Johan Garssen, Aletta D Kraneveld, Nikki KerssemakersAbstract:Various factors may contribute to alcohol Hangover severity. The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate the possible impact of alcohol consumption patterns, perceived immune status, and baseline fatigue on Hangover severity. A survey was completed by a convenience sample of N = 199 Dutch students who reported on their latest past month’s heavy drinking occasion, including subjective intoxication (perceived drunkenness) and next-day Hangover severity, which were rated on single-item scales ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (extreme). In addition, perceived (momentary) immune fitness was assessed, and the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) was completed to assess baseline fatigue. The analysis revealed that instead of the amount of alcohol consumed or estimated blood alcohol concentration, it appeared that subjective intoxication (i.e., level of drunkenness) was the most important determinant of alcohol Hangover severity. Especially in men, albeit modest, it was perceived that immune fitness also significantly contributed to the level of Hangover severity experienced.
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updating the definition of the alcohol Hangover
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Sarah Benson, Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Annkathrin StockAbstract:In 2016, the Alcohol Hangover Research Group defined the alcohol Hangover as “the combination of mental and physical symptoms experienced the day after a single episode of heavy drinking, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero”. In the light of new findings and evidence, we carefully reviewed the different components of that definition. Several studies demonstrated that alcohol Hangovers are not limited to heavy drinking occasions. Instead, data from both student and non-student samples revealed that at a group level, alcohol Hangover may occur at much lower BAC levels than previously thought. Regression analysis further revealed that for individual drinkers, the occurrence of Hangovers is more likely when subjects consume more alcohol than they usually do. However, Hangovers may also occur at a drinker’s usual BAC, and in some cases even at lower BAC (e.g. in case of illness). We also carefully reviewed and modified other parts of the definition. Finally, Hangovers are not necessarily limited to the ‘next day’. They can start at any time of day or night, whenever BAC approaches zero after a single dinking occasion. This may also be on the same day as the drinking occasion (e.g. when drinking in, or until the morning and subsequently having a Hangover in the afternoon or evening). To better reflect the new insights and sharpen the description of the concept, we hereby propose to update the definition of the alcohol Hangover as follows: “The alcohol Hangover refers to the combination of negative mental and physical symptoms which can be experienced after a single episode of alcohol consumption, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero”, and recommend to use this new definition in future Hangover research.
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the assessment of overall Hangover severity
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Sarah Benson, Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Annkathrin StockAbstract:The aim of this study was to critically evaluate and compare the different methods to assess overall Hangover severity. Currently, there are three multi-item Hangover scales that are commonly used for this purpose. All of them comprise a number of Hangover symptoms for which an average score is calculated. These scales were compared to a single, 1-item scale assessing overall Hangover severity. The results showed that the Hangover symptom scales significantly underestimate (subjective) Hangover severity, as assessed with a 1-item overall Hangover severity scale. A possible reason for this could be that overall Hangover severity varies, depending on the frequency of occurrence of individual symptoms included in the respective scale. In contrast, it can be assumed that, when completing a 1-item overall Hangover scale, the rating includes all possible Hangover symptoms and their impact on cognitive and physical functioning and mood, thus better reflecting the actually experienced Hangover severity. On the other hand, solely relying on Hangover symptom scales may yield false positives in subjects who report not having a Hangover. When the average symptom score is greater than zero, this may lead to non-hungover subjects being categorized as having a Hangover, as many of the somatic and psychological Hangover symptoms may also be experienced without consuming alcohol (e.g., having a headache). Taken together, the current analyses suggest that a 1-item overall Hangover score is superior to Hangover symptom scales in accurately assessing overall Hangover severity. We therefore recommend using a 1-item overall Hangover rating as primary endpoint in future Hangover studies that aim to assess overall Hangover severity.
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advantages and limitations of naturalistic study designs and their implementation in alcohol Hangover research
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Sarah Benson, Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Sally Adams, Annkathrin Stock, Chris Alford, Gillian BruceAbstract:In alcohol Hangover research, both naturalistic designs and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are successfully employed to study the causes, consequences, and treatments of Hangovers. Although increasingly applied in both social sciences and medical research, the suitability of naturalistic study designs remains a topic of debate. In both types of study design, screening participants and conducting assessments on-site (e.g., psychometric tests, questionnaires, and biomarker assessments) are usually equally rigorous and follow the same standard operating procedures. However, they differ in the levels of monitoring and restrictions imposed on behaviors of participants before the assessments are conducted (e.g., drinking behaviors resulting in the next day Hangover). These behaviors are highly controlled in RCTs and uncontrolled in naturalistic studies. As a result, the largest difference between naturalistic studies and RCTs is their ecological validity, which is usually significantly lower for RCTs and (related to that) the degree of standardization of experimental intervention, which is usually significantly higher for RCTs. In this paper, we specifically discuss the application of naturalistic study designs and RCTs in Hangover research. It is debated whether it is necessary to control certain behaviors that precede the Hangover state when the aim of a study is to examine the effects of the Hangover state itself. If the preceding factors and behaviors are not in the focus of the research question, a naturalistic study design should be preferred whenever one aims to better mimic or understand real-life situations in experimental/intervention studies. Furthermore, to improve the level of control in naturalistic studies, mobile technology can be applied to provide more continuous and objective real-time data, without investigators interfering with participant behaviors or the lab environment impacting on the subjective state. However, for other studies, it may be essential that certain behaviors are strictly controlled. It is, for example, vital that both test days are comparable in terms of consumed alcohol and achieved Hangover severity levels when comparing the efficacy and safety of a Hangover treatment with a placebo treatment day. This is best accomplished with the help of a highly controlled RCT design.
Renske Penning - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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measurement of alcohol Hangover severity development of the alcohol Hangover severity scale ahss
Psychopharmacology, 2013Co-Authors: Renske Penning, Karin A Slot, Adele Mckinney, Lucien D Bus, Berend Olivier, Joris C VersterAbstract:Objective This study aims to develop a new alcohol Hangover symptom severity scale and compare its effectiveness with the Hangover Symptoms Scale (HSS), the Acute Hangover Scale (AHS), and a one-item Hangover score.
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alcohol Hangover symptoms and their contribution to the overall Hangover severity
Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2012Co-Authors: Renske Penning, Adele Mckinney, Joris C VersterAbstract:Aims: Scientific literature suggests a large number of symptoms that may be present the day after excessive alcohol consumption. The purpose of this study was to explore the presence and severity of Hangover symptoms, and determine their interrelationship. Methods: A survey was conducted among n = 1410 Dutch students examining their drinking behavior and latest alcohol Hangover. The severity of 47 presumed Hangover symptoms were scored on a 10-point scale ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (maximal). Factor analysis was conducted to summarize the data into groups of associated symptoms that contribute significantly to the alcohol Hangover and symptoms that do not. Results: About half of the participants (56.1%, n = 791) reported having had a Hangover during the past month. Most commonly reported and most severe Hangover symptoms were fatigue (95.5%) and thirst (89.1%). Factor analysis revealed 11 factors that together account for 62% of variance. The most prominent factor 'drowsiness' (explained variance 28.8%) included symptoms such as drowsiness, fatigue, sleepiness and weakness. The second factor 'cognitive problems' (explained variance 5.9%) included symptoms such as reduced alertness, memory and concentration problems. Other factors, including the factor 'disturbed water balance' comprising frequently reported symptoms such as 'dry mouth' and 'thirst', contributed much less to the overall Hangover (explained variance Language: en
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the alcohol Hangover research group consensus statement on best practice in alcohol Hangover research
Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 2010Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Frances Finnigan, Richard Stephens, Renske Penning, Damaris J Rohsenow, John E Mcgeary, Dan Levy, Adele Mckinney, Thomas M Piasecki, Ana AdanAbstract:Alcohol-induced Hangover, defined by a series of symptoms, is the most commonly reported consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol Hangovers contribute to workplace absenteeism, impaired job performance, reduced productivity, poor academic achievement, and may compromise potentially dangerous daily activities such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery. These socioeconomic consequences and health risks of alcohol Hangover are much higher when compared to various common diseases and other health risk factors. Nevertheless, unlike alcohol intoxication the Hangover has received very little scientific attention and studies have often yielded inconclusive results. Systematic research is important to increase our knowledge on alcohol Hangover and its consequences. This consensus paper of the Alcohol Hangover Research Group discusses methodological issues that should be taken into account when performing future alcohol Hangover research. Future research should aim to (1) further determine the pathology of alcohol Hangover, (2) examine the role of genetics, (3) determine the economic costs of alcohol Hangover, (4) examine sex and age differences, (5) develop common research tools and methodologies to study Hangover effects, (6) focus on factor that aggravate Hangover severity (e.g., congeners), and (7) develop effective Hangover remedies.
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the pathology of alcohol Hangover
Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 2010Co-Authors: Renske Penning, Berend Olivier, Merel Van Nuland, Lies A L Fliervoet, Joris C VersterAbstract:Research on human subjects analyzing blood and urine samples determined biological correlates that may explain the pathology of alcohol Hangover. These analyses showed that concentrations of various hormones, electrolytes, free fatty acids, triglycerides, lactate, ketone bodies, cortisol, and glucose were not significantly correlated with reported alcohol Hangover severity. Also, markers of dehydration (e.g., vasopressin) were not significantly related to Hangover severity. Some studies report a significant correlation between blood acetaldehyde concentration and Hangover severity, but most convincing is the significant relationship between immune factors and Hangover severity. The latter is supported by studies showing that Hangover severity may be reduced by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Several factors do not cause alcohol Hangover but can aggravate its severity. These include sleep deprivation, smoking, congeners, health status, genetics and individual differences. Future studies should more rigorously study these factors as well as biological correlates to further elucidate the pathology of alcohol Hangover.
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treatment and prevention of alcohol Hangover
Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 2010Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Renske PenningAbstract:The search for alcohol Hangover cures is as old as alcohol itself. Many cures and prophylactic agents are available, but scientific evidence for their effectiveness is generally lacking. This review summarizes and discusses the limited number of studies that examined the effectiveness of alcohol Hangover treatments. From these studies it must be concluded that most remedies do not significantly reduce overall Hangover severity. Some compounds reduce specific symptoms such as vomiting and headache, but are not effective in reducing other common Hangover symptoms such as drowsiness and fatigue. Hangover cures that showed positive effects were those inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis or accelerating alcohol metabolism. Future studies should elucidate the pathology of alcohol Hangover. Until then, it is unlikely that an effective Hangover cure will be developed. Language: en
Marlou Mackus - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the inflammatory response to alcohol consumption and its role in the pathology of alcohol Hangover
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Marlou Mackus, Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Johan Garssen, Oran Kwon, I M Krishnakumar, Aletta D KraneveldAbstract:An increasing number of studies are focusing on the inflammatory response to alcohol as a potentially important determinant of Hangover severity. In this article, data from two studies were re-evaluated to investigate the relationship between Hangover severity and relevant biomarkers of alcohol metabolism, oxidative stress and the inflammatory response to alcohol. Hangover severity was significantly and positively correlated with blood concentrations of biomarkers of the inflammatory response to alcohol, in particular, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). At 4 h after alcohol consumption, blood ethanol concentration (but not acetaldehyde) was significantly and positively associated with elevated levels of IL-6, suggesting a direct inflammatory effect of ethanol. In addition, biomarkers of oxidative stress, i.e., malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostrane, were significantly correlated with Hangover severity, suggesting that oxidative stress also contributes to the inflammatory response. The timing of the assessments suggests initial slow elimination of ethanol in the first hours after alcohol consumption. As a consequence, more ethanol is present in the second half of the night and the next morning, which will elicit more oxidative stress and a more profound inflammatory response. Together, these processes result in more severe Hangovers.
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impact of mental resilience and perceived immune functioning on the severity of alcohol Hangover
BMC Research Notes, 2018Co-Authors: Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Marlou Mackus, Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Marith Van Schrojenstein LantmanAbstract:Objective Recent research comparing Hangover sensitive drinkers with Hangover resistant drinkers has revealed that experiencing alcohol Hangovers is associated with significantly poorer self-reported immune functioning (p < 0.0001). No significant difference between the groups was found on mental resilience. The objective of the current survey was to examine the association between Hangover severity, perceived immune status, and mental resilience. N = 341 Dutch students, all Hangover sensitive drinkers, completed an online survey. The Brief Resilience Scale was completed, and perceived immune functioning and overall Hangover severity for their latest past month Hangover were assessed.
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the impact of alcohol Hangover symptoms on cognitive and physical functioning and mood
Human Psychopharmacology-clinical and Experimental, 2017Co-Authors: Marith Van Schrojenstein Lantman, Marlou Mackus, Joris C Verster, Aurora J A E Van De LooAbstract:Hangover research often records the presence and severity of symptoms experienced the day after heavy alcohol consumption. However, usually no information is gathered on the impact of experiencing these symptoms on mood, cognition, and physical activities. An online survey was held among Dutch students, aged 18-30 years, who recently had a Hangover. Overall Hangover severity (i.e., a single 1-item rating) and the severity of 22 individual symptoms were rated on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (extreme). In addition, for each symptom, participants were asked to rate their respective negative impact on (a) cognitive functioning, (b) physical functioning, and (c) mood, on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (no impact) to 5 (extreme). N = 1837 subjects completed the survey. The mean (SD) overall (1-item) Hangover severity score was 6.1 (1.9). Sleepiness, being tired, thirst, and concentration problems were the most frequently reported Hangover symptoms. These symptoms also reached the highest severity scores (ranging from 6.3 to 7.0). The 4 symptoms with the biggest combined impact on mood, and cognitive and physical functioning were being tired, sleepiness, headache, and concentration problems. In conclusion, whereas severity and impact scores usually correspond well, some frequently reported symptoms with moderate to high severity scores had little impact on mood, and cognitive and physical functioning (i.e., reduced appetite, regret, and thirst).
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biomarkers of the alcohol Hangover state ethyl glucuronide etg and ethyl sulfate ets
Human Psychopharmacology-clinical and Experimental, 2017Co-Authors: Marlou Mackus, Jorinde S Raasveld, Anna Hogewoning, Gerdien A H Kortebouws, Renier H P Van Neer, Thomas T Nguyen, Frits M Flesch, Javier Sastre Toraño, Xiaochun Wang, Karel BrookhuisAbstract:Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) as biomarkers of the Hangover state. Methods Thirty-sixhealthy social drinkers participated in this study, being of naturalistic design. Eighteen participants experience regular Hangovers (the Hangover group), whereas the other 18 claim to not experience a Hangover (the Hangover-immune group). On a control day (alcohol-free) day and a post-alcohol day, urine EtG and EtS concentrations were determined and Hangover severity assessed. Results Urinary EtG and EtS concentrations were significantly increased on post-alcohol day compared to the control day (p = .0001). Both EtG and EtS concentrations did not significantly correlate with the overall Hangover score, nor with the estimated peak blood alcohol concentrations and number of alcoholic drinks. EtG correlated significantly only with the individual Hangover symptom “headache” (p = .033; r = .403). No significant correlations were found with the EtG to EtS ratio. EtG and EtS concentrations significantly correlated with urine ethanol concentrations. Conclusions Although urine EtG and EtS concentration did not significantly correlate to estimated peak blood alcohol concentrations or the number of alcoholic drinks consumed, a significant correlation was found with urine ethanol concentration. However, urine EtG and EtS concentrations did not significantly correlate with overall Hangover severity.
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total sleep time alcohol consumption and the duration and severity of alcohol Hangover
Nature and Science of Sleep, 2017Co-Authors: Marith Van Schrojenstein Lantman, Marlou Mackus, Joris C Verster, Thomas RothAbstract:INTRODUCTION: An evening of alcohol consumption often occurs at the expense of sleep time. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between total sleep time and the duration and severity of the alcohol Hangover. METHODS: A survey was conducted among Dutch University students to collect data on their latest alcohol Hangover. Data on alcohol consumption, total sleep time, Hangover severity, and duration were collected. Alcohol consumption and Hangover severity and duration were compared for participants who (a) slept 7 hours. RESULTS: Data from N=578 students (40.1% men and 59.9% women) were included in the statistical analyses. Significant correlations were found between total sleep time and alcohol consumption (r=0.117,p=0.005), Hangover severity (r= -0.178,p=0.0001) and Hangover duration (r=0.168,p=0.0001). In contrast, total alcohol consumption did not correlate significantly with overall Hangover severity or duration. Those who slept longer than 7 hours consumed significantly more alcohol (p=0.016) and reported extended Hangover duration (p=0.004). However, they also reported significantly less severe Hangovers (p=0.001) than students who slept <7 hours. CONCLUSION: Reduced total sleep time is associated with more severe alcohol Hangovers.
Andrew Scholey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the inflammatory response to alcohol consumption and its role in the pathology of alcohol Hangover
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Marlou Mackus, Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Johan Garssen, Oran Kwon, I M Krishnakumar, Aletta D KraneveldAbstract:An increasing number of studies are focusing on the inflammatory response to alcohol as a potentially important determinant of Hangover severity. In this article, data from two studies were re-evaluated to investigate the relationship between Hangover severity and relevant biomarkers of alcohol metabolism, oxidative stress and the inflammatory response to alcohol. Hangover severity was significantly and positively correlated with blood concentrations of biomarkers of the inflammatory response to alcohol, in particular, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). At 4 h after alcohol consumption, blood ethanol concentration (but not acetaldehyde) was significantly and positively associated with elevated levels of IL-6, suggesting a direct inflammatory effect of ethanol. In addition, biomarkers of oxidative stress, i.e., malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostrane, were significantly correlated with Hangover severity, suggesting that oxidative stress also contributes to the inflammatory response. The timing of the assessments suggests initial slow elimination of ethanol in the first hours after alcohol consumption. As a consequence, more ethanol is present in the second half of the night and the next morning, which will elicit more oxidative stress and a more profound inflammatory response. Together, these processes result in more severe Hangovers.
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perceived immune fitness individual strength and Hangover severity
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020Co-Authors: Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Johan Garssen, Aletta D Kraneveld, Nikki KerssemakersAbstract:Various factors may contribute to alcohol Hangover severity. The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate the possible impact of alcohol consumption patterns, perceived immune status, and baseline fatigue on Hangover severity. A survey was completed by a convenience sample of N = 199 Dutch students who reported on their latest past month’s heavy drinking occasion, including subjective intoxication (perceived drunkenness) and next-day Hangover severity, which were rated on single-item scales ranging from 0 (absent) to 10 (extreme). In addition, perceived (momentary) immune fitness was assessed, and the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) was completed to assess baseline fatigue. The analysis revealed that instead of the amount of alcohol consumed or estimated blood alcohol concentration, it appeared that subjective intoxication (i.e., level of drunkenness) was the most important determinant of alcohol Hangover severity. Especially in men, albeit modest, it was perceived that immune fitness also significantly contributed to the level of Hangover severity experienced.
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updating the definition of the alcohol Hangover
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Sarah Benson, Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Annkathrin StockAbstract:In 2016, the Alcohol Hangover Research Group defined the alcohol Hangover as “the combination of mental and physical symptoms experienced the day after a single episode of heavy drinking, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero”. In the light of new findings and evidence, we carefully reviewed the different components of that definition. Several studies demonstrated that alcohol Hangovers are not limited to heavy drinking occasions. Instead, data from both student and non-student samples revealed that at a group level, alcohol Hangover may occur at much lower BAC levels than previously thought. Regression analysis further revealed that for individual drinkers, the occurrence of Hangovers is more likely when subjects consume more alcohol than they usually do. However, Hangovers may also occur at a drinker’s usual BAC, and in some cases even at lower BAC (e.g. in case of illness). We also carefully reviewed and modified other parts of the definition. Finally, Hangovers are not necessarily limited to the ‘next day’. They can start at any time of day or night, whenever BAC approaches zero after a single dinking occasion. This may also be on the same day as the drinking occasion (e.g. when drinking in, or until the morning and subsequently having a Hangover in the afternoon or evening). To better reflect the new insights and sharpen the description of the concept, we hereby propose to update the definition of the alcohol Hangover as follows: “The alcohol Hangover refers to the combination of negative mental and physical symptoms which can be experienced after a single episode of alcohol consumption, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero”, and recommend to use this new definition in future Hangover research.
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the assessment of overall Hangover severity
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Sarah Benson, Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Annkathrin StockAbstract:The aim of this study was to critically evaluate and compare the different methods to assess overall Hangover severity. Currently, there are three multi-item Hangover scales that are commonly used for this purpose. All of them comprise a number of Hangover symptoms for which an average score is calculated. These scales were compared to a single, 1-item scale assessing overall Hangover severity. The results showed that the Hangover symptom scales significantly underestimate (subjective) Hangover severity, as assessed with a 1-item overall Hangover severity scale. A possible reason for this could be that overall Hangover severity varies, depending on the frequency of occurrence of individual symptoms included in the respective scale. In contrast, it can be assumed that, when completing a 1-item overall Hangover scale, the rating includes all possible Hangover symptoms and their impact on cognitive and physical functioning and mood, thus better reflecting the actually experienced Hangover severity. On the other hand, solely relying on Hangover symptom scales may yield false positives in subjects who report not having a Hangover. When the average symptom score is greater than zero, this may lead to non-hungover subjects being categorized as having a Hangover, as many of the somatic and psychological Hangover symptoms may also be experienced without consuming alcohol (e.g., having a headache). Taken together, the current analyses suggest that a 1-item overall Hangover score is superior to Hangover symptom scales in accurately assessing overall Hangover severity. We therefore recommend using a 1-item overall Hangover rating as primary endpoint in future Hangover studies that aim to assess overall Hangover severity.
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advantages and limitations of naturalistic study designs and their implementation in alcohol Hangover research
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Joris C Verster, Andrew Scholey, Sarah Benson, Aurora J A E Van De Loo, Sally Adams, Annkathrin Stock, Chris Alford, Gillian BruceAbstract:In alcohol Hangover research, both naturalistic designs and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are successfully employed to study the causes, consequences, and treatments of Hangovers. Although increasingly applied in both social sciences and medical research, the suitability of naturalistic study designs remains a topic of debate. In both types of study design, screening participants and conducting assessments on-site (e.g., psychometric tests, questionnaires, and biomarker assessments) are usually equally rigorous and follow the same standard operating procedures. However, they differ in the levels of monitoring and restrictions imposed on behaviors of participants before the assessments are conducted (e.g., drinking behaviors resulting in the next day Hangover). These behaviors are highly controlled in RCTs and uncontrolled in naturalistic studies. As a result, the largest difference between naturalistic studies and RCTs is their ecological validity, which is usually significantly lower for RCTs and (related to that) the degree of standardization of experimental intervention, which is usually significantly higher for RCTs. In this paper, we specifically discuss the application of naturalistic study designs and RCTs in Hangover research. It is debated whether it is necessary to control certain behaviors that precede the Hangover state when the aim of a study is to examine the effects of the Hangover state itself. If the preceding factors and behaviors are not in the focus of the research question, a naturalistic study design should be preferred whenever one aims to better mimic or understand real-life situations in experimental/intervention studies. Furthermore, to improve the level of control in naturalistic studies, mobile technology can be applied to provide more continuous and objective real-time data, without investigators interfering with participant behaviors or the lab environment impacting on the subjective state. However, for other studies, it may be essential that certain behaviors are strictly controlled. It is, for example, vital that both test days are comparable in terms of consumed alcohol and achieved Hangover severity levels when comparing the efficacy and safety of a Hangover treatment with a placebo treatment day. This is best accomplished with the help of a highly controlled RCT design.
