The day after binge drinking – neuro-cognitive disruptions during hangover

Binge drinkingBinge drinking (consuming rapidly four or more alcoholic drinks over a short period of time) has bee... (drinking a large amount of an alcoholic beverage in a short period) is a pattern more often noticed among young adults, which can immediately affect the brain’s ability to focus and remember. A study investigated the impact of binge drinking and alcohol hangover on working memory and attention. 52 university students (24 Binge drinkers; 28 control) participated in an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based continuous performance task (CPT).

The results showed that these effects were strongest during hangovers, making it harder for individuals to pay attention and use their memory the day after heavy drinking.​ While the brain has ways to temporarily compensate after occasional episodes, repeated binge drinking and experiencing hangovers can eventually wear these coping mechanisms down. Over time, this may result in lasting problems with thinking, learning, and behaviour, similar to the patterns seen in individuals with serious alcohol-related disorders.​ Even short-term effects—like trouble concentrating, poor memory, or making bad decisions—can have real-life impact. For example, young people may struggle with schoolwork or make poor choices after a night of binge drinking due to these temporary brain changes. The authors conclude that their findings underscore the need to develop targeted public health strategies that address not only the long-term risks of binge drinking but educate young people about how binge drinking can quickly—even temporarily—harm their brain function in everyday situations. Raising awareness about these short-term problems may help prevent risky drinking behaviours and their consequences.