From TCNEWS
As revellers around the world shake off the after-effects of Friday night festivities, International Hangover Day offers more than just memes and greasy breakfasts, it serves as a moment for sober reflection on personal wellness and responsible alcohol use.
In a timely warning, Dr. Gloria Harrison, a United Kingdom-based psychiatrist and the Secretary-General of the Harrison Goodness Foundation (HGF), has raised concerns about the rising culture of overindulgence, particularly among young people in Nigeria and the broader global community.
“While celebration is a part of human culture, unchecked excess especially with alcohol, poses significant health and social risks,” Dr. Harrison stated in a WhatsApp chat with our correspondent. “International Hangover Day, though lighthearted on the surface, is a chance to reflect seriously on habits that endanger mental, physical, and societal well-being.”
Marked annually on the first Saturday of August, following International Beer Day on Friday, International Hangover Day has grown from a humorous nod into a global phenomenon. Originating shortly after International Beer Day was launched in 2007 by American bar owner Jesse Avshalomov, the day highlights the after-effects of alcohol consumption and encourages conversations around moderation.
While Nigeria has no official celebration tied to the day, the nation is not immune to its themes. The World Health Organization estimates that alcohol consumption is on the rise in West Africa, with Nigeria ranking among the highest consumers. This trend is particularly pronounced among university students and urban professionals, while healthcare professionals like Dr. Harrison seize the opportunity to inject public health advocacy into the narrative.
Dr. Harrison, whose foundation focuses on cultural revitalization, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment across Abia state and Nigeria, emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity in addressing alcohol-related issues.
“Hangovers are not just physical,” she said. “They come with mental and emotional consequences, feelings of guilt, anxiety, and even depression. It is important we create safe spaces for young Nigerians to talk about these experiences without stigma.”
To celebrate the day constructively, Dr. Harrison offered practical advice for managing the aftermath of overindulgence, including: staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, resting, moving gently, and seeking help if needed.
“Water, coconut water, and oral rehydration solutions help combat dehydration. Choose meals rich in protein, complex carbs, and vegetables. Allow the body time to recover naturally. Light activities like walking or stretching can ease hangover symptoms. Repeated overconsumption could signal deeper issues, do not hesitate to talk to a health professional,” she further advised.
In a society where alcohol is increasingly associated with social mobility and celebration, International Hangover Day provides a rare opportunity to open a dialogue about balance, responsibility, and the consequences of excess. Dr. Harrison’s voice adds a medical and psychological lens to a conversation that often remains superficial. Her call for moderation resonates globally but carries special weight in Nigeria, where youth mental health remains under-addressed.
Furthermore, Dr. Gloria Harrison, who espoused and expounded the concept of From Hangover to Healing, said that by reframing the hangover not as a joke but as a teachable moment, Nigeria and the world, can begin to build healthier, more mindful cultures of celebration.
