Strange Symptoms Following a Weekend of Drinking
Hello all! I’d like to share a personal experience regarding some unusual feelings I’ve encountered post-drinking, and I’m curious if anyone else can relate. I’m a 21-year-old male, generally quite fit and active. Last Friday night, I indulged in a significant amount of alcohol, mostly taking tequila shots but also having a few dark liquor shots alongside some canned cocktails. The following day, I woke up to a hangover that lingered until about 3 PM before I started to feel better. Later that Saturday, I opted for a lighter drink, consuming around two-thirds of a High Noon, all in the name of celebrating a friend's 22nd birthday with some casual social drinking. However, by Sunday morning, I felt fine initially, but as the day progressed, I began to notice a return of that strange feeling which has persisted throughout the week. Here's a rundown of the symptoms I've experienced: - A sensation of lightheadedness and a foggy feeling, which faded by Tuesday night. - A diminished ability to touch, smell, and taste things. - Persistent fatigue and brain fog (mostly cleared up by Wednesday night). - Occasional muscle twitches, particularly during periods of rest. - An unusually active stomach, marked by frequent growling, gas, and numerous trips to the restroom after eating or drinking. - Increased urination, often within minutes of having water. - Sudden episodes of anxiety or feelings of disconnection. - Occasionally feeling warm (I took my temperature today, and it was normal at 96.3°F) or slightly nauseous, but no vomiting after that initial episode. - Minor coordination issues, like difficulty typing or gripping items, which have since resolved. To aid in my recovery, I’ve been hydrating with plenty of electrolytes, eating light and nutritious foods (such as bananas, yogurt, chicken, and smoothies), and resting as much as I can. Gradually, I’m noticing improvements—the lightheadedness has mostly dissipated and my senses of taste and smell are returning, though my sense of touch and overall energy still feel a bit diminished. After consulting with my doctor, he mentioned that my symptoms could stem from a few potential causes: - Aftereffects of excessive alcohol consumption (especially considering how much I drank). - Fatigue, as I recently finished a demanding stretch of multiple jobs, a weekly golf class, workouts, and an online internship. - The possibility of a viral infection or mild COVID, which I’m currently being tested for. He advised me to continue resting, stay hydrated, take Tylenol or Motrin if necessary, and to check back in on Monday if my condition doesn’t improve. What’s particularly noteworthy to me is that I had a similar experience last year after returning from a trip to Arizona, but that time was much worse. I consumed a mix of Hennessy and D’usse, smoked weed (which is rare for me), and dealt with extreme heat. I ended up vomiting and felt completely off for about a week, even requiring a visit to the ER, where my blood tests came back normal, leading them to suggest dehydration. Given these two incidents, it’s clear that dark liquor is a recurring factor. Despite the differing circumstances, both times I experienced a significant physical and mental crash for several days afterward. Consequently, I've decided to completely eliminate dark liquor from my future drinking habits. Has anyone else gone through a similar experience? Particularly when drinking dark liquor, have you felt out of sorts for days—not just from a hangover, but as if your nervous system or senses are out of whack? How long did it take for you to recover, and what actions aided your recuperation? I’m taking every measure possible to feel better, but I would love to hear from others who might have faced something like this. Any advice, shared experiences, or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! 🙏
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 10:11:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience, and it's understandable to be concerned about the array of symptoms you're experiencing after drinking. It sounds like you're managing your recovery well by hydrating and eating healthily. Here’s a summary and guidance based on your situation:
Main Points:
- Possible Post-Alcohol Effects: Your symptoms could stem from excessive alcohol consumption and potentially other factors such as fatigue or a viral illness.
- Symptoms to Monitor: You are experiencing a complex range of symptoms that may take time to clear, especially after significant alcohol use.
- Preventative Measures: Reducing or eliminating dark liquors seems wise based on your experiences.
Explanation:
Alcohol can significantly affect the body and brain, especially in large amounts, leading to both physical and mental symptoms. Factors like dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, or even a mild viral illness could contribute to your sensations of lightheadedness and fogginess. Additionally, the symptoms of diminished taste and smell, fatigue, and anxious feelings are not uncommon after heavy drinking and can take days or even weeks to fully resolve.
Next Steps:
- Continue Hydration: Keep drinking water and electrolyte-rich fluids, as dehydration from alcohol can exacerbate your symptoms.
- Rest and Nutrition: Continue prioritizing rest and consuming light meals. Apply a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall recovery.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms for any worsening. If you notice increased lightheadedness, persistent nausea, severe anxiety, or any new concerning symptoms, consider checking back with your healthcare provider sooner.
- Limit Alcohol Use: Given your past experiences, it’s sensible to avoid dark liquors in the future and stick to lighter options if you choose to drink.
Final Thoughts:
Your ongoing recovery may still take time, and it's commendable that you are addressing these symptoms proactively. Trust your body and take it easy as you recover. If symptoms persist beyond a week or worsen, don’t hesitate to check in with your doctor again. You're doing well by seeking support and sharing your experience, so keep taking care of yourself!
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