"First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you."
— F. Scott Fitzgerald
We’ve all been there — swearing “never again” after a rough night, only to find ourselves back with a drink in hand the next weekend. But why do we keep drinking when we know a hangover might follow? The answer lies in the psychology of drinking.
Alcohol serves as a social lubricant, lowering inhibitions and creating a sense of camaraderie. It’s often tied to celebrations and relaxation, giving us a temporary escape from stress or routine. However, alcohol also triggers dopamine release in the brain, creating feelings of pleasure and reward. This can lead to a feedback loop where the enjoyment of drinking outweighs the potential consequences.
Interestingly, even the memory of past hangovers fades quickly, a phenomenon called "positive reinforcement bias." We tend to focus on the fun of the night and minimize the pain of the morning after. Add to this the social pressure and the normalization of drinking, and it's easy to see why we return to the bottle.
While hangovers might seem like the inevitable price of a good time, modern products like Recoup Hangover Remedy can help mitigate the aftermath. By addressing the dehydration and nutrient depletion caused by alcohol, Recoup makes recovery faster and more manageable, allowing us to enjoy our nights out without dreading the morning after.
So, while the psychological pull of drinking may be strong, it’s good to know that at least there’s help on hand for the hangover.