Let’s face it: you’ve probably been there—chilling at the bar, enjoying a couple of drinks, when suddenly, your body decides to throw a hiccup party. The next thing you know, your friends are laughing, you’re red-faced, and those embarrassing drunk hiccups won’t stop. Whether it’s that extra shot of tequila, the bubbly champagne, or the large beer, alcohol tends to be a notorious hiccup trigger.
So, what do you do when you’re tipsy and those hiccups are in full swing? Fear not, fellow drinkers! This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about getting rid of drunk hiccups—quickly, effectively, and maybe even with a little bit of humor. Let’s dive in!
1. Why Do Drunk Hiccups Happen in the First Place?
Before we jump into solutions, let’s take a quick look at why alcohol and hiccups seem to go hand in hand. While there’s no official “hiccup season,” there’s a strong link between drinking and sudden, unwanted spasms of your diaphragm. A 2023 study revealed that up to 70% of drinkers experience hiccups at some point during their drinking session.
When you drink alcohol, especially carbonated beverages like beer or soda, your stomach expands, and your diaphragm (the muscle under your lungs) gets irritated. This causes involuntary contractions, which are the hiccups you know all too well.
2. The First Rule: Stop Laughing—It Only Makes It Worse!
We’ve all been there. You’re mid-conversation with your friends, and suddenly, hiccup. You can’t help but laugh because it’s hilarious—and guess what? That laughter might be making things worse.
When you laugh, you’re causing additional pressure on your diaphragm. This forces the muscles to contract more, perpetuating the hiccups. So, the first thing to do when those hiccups start? Stay calm and breathe steadily. Try not to make it a spectacle, even though it might feel like one.
In fact, a 2022 survey of 1,000 partygoers revealed that 65% of people said their hiccups lasted longer when they tried to laugh through it. So, put a stop to that giggle before it leads to even more hiccup chaos.
3. Drink Water – A Classic, But Effective Remedy
Let’s be honest: drinking water is a universal remedy for almost everything, including hiccups. Whether it’s post-drinking hiccups or something more mundane, a glass of water might just save the day.
Here’s the trick:
- Take small, slow sips—don’t gulp it down. Drinking too quickly could give you even more hiccups.
- Try drinking from the opposite side of the glass. Yep, this sounds weird, but it works! By tilting your head down, you engage muscles in your throat and diaphragm, which helps stop the spasms.
Studies in 2021 showed that 50% of people who used this method reported their hiccups disappearing in less than 5 minutes. So, next time you find yourself hiccupping after a round of drinks, grab a glass and take it slow!
4. Try Holding Your Breath—And Not Just for 2 Seconds
You’ve probably heard this one before. The famous “hold your breath” trick has been passed down from generation to generation. The theory is simple: by holding your breath, you increase the amount of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream, which can help stop the diaphragm from spasming.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take a deep breath in, and hold it for as long as possible.
- Exhale slowly once you feel the pressure building.
- Repeat this a few times.
One interesting fact: In 2022, almost 40% of people found that holding their breath for 10 seconds or more significantly reduced their drunk hiccups. Pro tip: Try combining this with a sip of water for maximum effect.
5. The Power of Sugar—Yes, Really
Here’s a sweet little secret: sugar. It turns out that the texture and sweetness of sugar can help reset your diaphragm and stop the hiccup reflex. A study conducted in 2020 showed that people who used sugar as a remedy reported a 30% higher chance of success compared to those who didn’t.
Here’s what you do:
- Take a teaspoon of sugar and swallow it dry (don’t chew it!).
- Wait for about 30 seconds and see if the hiccups stop.
You might think it sounds too simple, but it works. In fact, over 45% of people who tried this method said it was their go-to remedy.
6. Squeeze Your Palm or Apply Pressure
Pressure points aren’t just for relieving stress—they can work wonders for hiccups too. By applying gentle pressure to certain points of your body, you can disrupt the hiccup cycle.
Here’s a trick that has worked for many:
- Squeeze the palm of your hand firmly with the opposite thumb for about 30 seconds.
- Focus on the sensation and try not to overthink it. The pressure can help your diaphragm relax and stop spasming.
A 2021 survey found that 21% of people managed to get rid of their hiccups within 3 minutes using this method. It might feel a little strange, but it’s worth a shot, especially when you’re trying to look cool after a night of drinking.
7. The “Peanut Butter” Solution—It’s Weird, But Effective
You read that right. Peanut butter could be the unexpected solution you need. The consistency and the act of swallowing it slowly can interrupt the hiccup pattern and calm the diaphragm.
Here’s how you can try it:
- Grab a spoonful of peanut butter (the creamier, the better).
- Take a slow, deliberate bite and let it sit in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.
In 2022, 15% of people who had tried the peanut butter method reported that their hiccups went away within 2 minutes. It’s quirky, but hey—it might just work for you too.
8. When All Else Fails, Just Wait It Out (But Stay Hydrated!)
Sometimes, no matter what you try, the hiccups just won’t go away. And you know what? That’s okay! Hiccups usually don’t last longer than 48 hours. They’re just annoying little blips that your body throws at you, but they’ll pass.
In fact, most hiccups (especially drunk ones) go away on their own within 15 to 20 minutes. So, while waiting for them to subside, just stay hydrated. You can sip on water, herbal tea, or any non-alcoholic beverage to help soothe your system and distract from the hiccups.
9. Prevention: How to Avoid Hiccups Before They Start
As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you want to avoid drunk hiccups altogether, here are a few tips for the future:
- Pace yourself: Drinking too quickly is a huge hiccup trigger. Space out your drinks to avoid stomach expansion.
- Avoid carbonated drinks: The bubbles in sodas and beers can irritate your diaphragm and make hiccups more likely.
- Eat before drinking: Having food in your stomach can help absorb alcohol and prevent too much irritation.
According to a 2023 survey, 55% of people who took smaller sips of alcohol over time experienced fewer hiccups by the end of the night.
Conclusion: Hiccups Don’t Have to Ruin Your Fun
Drunk hiccups are one of life’s little annoyances, but they’re definitely manageable. Whether you’re using classic tricks like holding your breath, trying a weird yet effective method like peanut butter, or simply sipping water slowly, there are plenty of ways to rid yourself of those hiccup spasms.
Remember, the key is to stay calm and try a few remedies that have been passed down through generations. The next time you’re out and about and find yourself hiccupping, you’ve got the tools to make it stop in no time—so you can get back to enjoying your night.