New Research Proves There Really Is No Cure For A Hangover

Some aims in life just seem too good — and elusive — to find. The fountain of youth, perfectly ripe pears, or a hangover cure-all. Chances are if you've ever woken up feeling worse than you did when you went to bed after allowing yourself one too many drinks, you've probably tried a few different coping mechanisms to get through the day. And there is no shortage of cures that claim to take care of the worst of hangovers.

According to Thrillist, there are at least 20 different hangover cures that people swear by. From classics like hair of the dog (aka drinking more) or guzzling coffee, to getting IV fluids pumped into your system or prying yourself off the couch to exercise, there are more than enough methods to try. Though some are totally useless, as Thrillist explains, others can help you to start feeling better than you did when you opened your bleary eyes. But if you're searching for the perfect, surefire way to cure a hangover, scientists have some really bad news.

A recent study publishded in Addiction Journal examined 21 different hangover cures to see just how effective they were. Sadly, the scientists found that not a single cure — ranging from natural ingredients to self-branded hangover cure products — could really be considered a "cure." It is worth noting that they didn't include things like Tylenol in their study, so you can probably still count on it to take care of your hangover headache. But it will take more than an over-the-counter pain reliever to rid you of all hangover ailments, as you likely know.

The primary author of the study and a doctor with the National Addiction Centre, Kings College London and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Emma Roberts, explained that there is still some hope for the future, but little for the moment. "Our study has found that evidence on these hangover remedies is of very low quality and there is a need to provide more rigorous assessment. For now, the surest way of preventing hangover symptoms is to abstain from alcohol or drink in moderation." While there isn't a cure now, you can turn to some of the most promising options the scientists hope to study more going forward. Food & Wine reports these possible cures include clove extract, tolfenamic acid for migraines, and pyritinol which is similar to B6. In the meantime, it may be wise to cut back or avoid alcohol if you want to prevent hangovers altogether.