Alcohol’s Effects On Your Throat

Legacy Healing Center Blog

If your throat hurts after drinking, you’re not alone. Many people experience a sore throat after drinking alcohol; it can be an uncomfortable side effect of enjoying a night out. There are several reasons this might happen, from dehydration to acid reflux, and understanding the causes is the first step in finding relief. For some, this discomfort might be a minor annoyance, while for others, it could signal a more profound issue tied to alcohol consumption.

Legacy Healing Center discusses why this happens, how to ease the discomfort, and how to seek help if necessary. The prevalence of alcohol use in the states is high, “Among adults in the United States, more than half drink alcohol, with 17% engaging in binge drinking and 6% drinking heavily.”¹ Our addiction specialists help people understand these symptoms and address their broader relationship with alcohol.

Why Your Throat Hurts After Drinking

Why does my throat hurt after drinking? Many people notice discomfort after drinking alcohol and wonder what’s behind it. Alcohol can irritate the throat for several reasons, from drying it out to triggering acid reflux. Here’s why your throat hurts after drinking and what may be causing the soreness.

Dehydration and Irritation

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose more fluids than usual. This dehydration often leads to a dry and irritated throat, making it feel sore and uncomfortable. Without enough moisture, the tissues in your throat become inflamed, which is one of the main reasons your throat hurts. Staying hydrated while drinking can help minimize these effects.

Sensitivity and Inflammation

For some, drinking even small amounts of alcohol can trigger sensitivity reactions, such as sinus congestion, postnasal drip, and irritation in the throat. Alcohol also promotes inflammation, which can make the throat feel scratchy and tender. If your throat hurts, it might be due to a heightened sensitivity or inflammatory response to alcohol.

Acid Reflux

Does alcohol cause acid reflux? Yes, alcohol can cause acid reflux. Drinking relaxes the muscle that prevents stomach acid from rising into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation. The backflow of stomach acid into your throat not only causes discomfort but can also result in a burning sensation. This connection between alcohol and acid reflux could explain why some people feel sore after drinking.

How Do I Alleviate a Sore Throat?

It’s a common question: Does alcohol help with sore throat? The answer is no; alcohol does not help soothe a sore throat. In fact, it often makes the situation worse. Drinking alcohol dries out the throat, intensifies inflammation, and can irritate the tissues even further. Instead of turning to more alcohol for relief, it’s important to focus on remedies that genuinely work to alleviate discomfort. Here is how to cure a sore throat after drinking alcohol:

What to Do to Soothe a Sore Throat

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body and soothe your throat.
Use Salt Water: Gargle with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Drink Herbal Tea with Honey: Warm tea and honey coat the throat and have a soothing effect.
Rest Your Voice: Avoid straining your voice, especially after a night of talking or shouting while drinking.
Try Throat Lozenges: Lozenges can help moisten your throat and provide temporary relief.

What Not to Do

Drink Alcohol: Continuing to drink will only worsen dehydration and irritation.
Smoke: Smoking can further irritate your throat and delay recovery.
Eat Spicy or Acidic Foods: These foods can exacerbate throat irritation.

If you notice a sore throat after drinking frequently or the symptoms persist, it may be a sign of a deeper issue. Regular or heavy drinking can lead to chronic health problems, including recurring throat irritation and more severe concerns like acid reflux or damage to the esophagus.² For those who may struggle with alcohol abuse, seeking help is essential.

How Legacy Healing Center Can Help

At Legacy Healing Center, we recognize how difficult it can be to manage alcohol dependency and its effects on your health. If your throat hurts after drinking often or you feel like alcohol is becoming harder to control, it might be time to explore professional help. Our programs provide a supportive and understanding environment where you can focus on building a stronger, healthier future.

The first step in recovery is usually our alcohol detox program, allowing your body to eliminate alcohol in a safe and monitored setting. Withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness, nausea, and fatigue, can be challenging, but our team provides guidance and care to help you move through the process as comfortably as possible. Detox is an essential starting point for recovery, giving you the clarity and readiness to focus on deeper healing.

Our alcohol addiction treatment offers both individual and group therapy to help address the underlying causes of alcohol use. Individual therapy incorporates methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which works to reshape harmful thought patterns and teach coping strategies to help you stay focused on sobriety. Group therapy allows people to foster connections and understanding among peers, offering encouragement and shared progress. Additionally, we provide tools such as mindfulness exercises and goal-setting strategies to help you rebuild your life without alcohol.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol abuse, Legacy Healing Center is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our programs, recovery therapies, and additional resources to encourage an addiction-free life. Be sure to read our blog for more helpful information and guidance on the next steps toward healing. Your path to recovery begins here.

Sources:

Data on excessive alcohol use. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 6, 2024. Accessed January 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/excessive-drinking-data/index.html.
Alcohol use and your health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 12, 2024. Accessed January 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html.

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