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Barfly
Jason Genegabus
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Hangover 101
An ounce of prevention can help avoid a pounding headache
It's that time of year again -- the holidays always mean more parties to attend, more cocktails than usual, and (unfortunately) more often than not, a killer hangover the next morning.
Not handling your liquor the way you could in college? Are Christmas and New Year's Eve the only two occasions you celebrate during the year with a drink -- or five?
For those of you who need a quick refresher, here's the Barfly's crash course in hangover prevention and treatment. As always, we don't endorse or suggest you go out and get plastered this weekend, especially if you're under 21.
And no matter how much you drink, if you feel a sharp pain in your stomach or see blood coming out of you at all, seek immediate medical attention.
FIRST OFF, in order to actively combat the occurrence of a hangover, you need to know what causes one.
Sure, the simple answer is that you drank too much the night before. But your reaction to alcohol is also dependent on whether you're a man or a woman, how much you weigh and how fast you drink.
When you down that cocktail, alcohol gets absorbed into your bloodstream through your stomach. And as most people already know, it's your liver that does the heavy lifting when it comes to processing alcohol. The end result is acetaldehyde, a metabolite that is believed to exacerbate those nasty hangover symptoms.
Alcohol consumption can also damage the lining of your stomach, depress your central nervous system and negatively affect your cognitive abilities. It forces your body to get rid of excess water instead of reabsorbing it, which is why dehydration is one of the most blatant signs of overindulgence.
SO NOW that you know what causes a hangover, what can you do to prevent one?
If you're going to make the decision to drink, the easiest way to minimize your risk of suffering through a hangover is to prepare your body for what's about to happen to it.
First, be sure to eat a hearty meal an hour or two before your first drink. Some prefer to load up with carbohydrates, while others will tell you to eat a juicy steak or a hot pastrami sandwich. I've also had friends who would not only eat something greasy, but also down a few ounces of cooking oil to help coat their stomachs and keep things "flowing smoothly." It might sound disgusting, but some swear by this.
It's also important to start drinking extra fluids long before you knock back that first shot. And since alcohol is a diuretic, it's a good idea to keep it up the entire time you're at the bar.
A good rule of thumb is to consume one alcoholic drink per hour, since that's about how long it takes your body to digest a standard shot/12-ounce beer/glass of wine. All you have to do is alternate your cocktails with non-alcoholic drinks.
After you sip, not chug, your liquor, order a glass of plain soda or juice. Better yet, opt for a bottle of water. This keeps a glass in your hand, but helps dilute the amount of alcohol going into your body.
Feel-better formula
If all else fails and you still wake up the morning after with a killer headache, cotton mouth and a spinning ceiling, try this cure from SoYouWanna.com. I always used to feel better the next day after drinking a smoothie from Jamba Juice, so this recipe makes sense.
"Almighty Hangover Emergency Cure"
» 2 aspirin
» 200 mg cysteine (available at specialty food stores)
» 600 mg vitamin C
» 1 tablet vitamin B-complex
» 1 banana
» 1 small can V-8
» 6 large strawberries
» 2 tablespoons honey
» 1 cup orange juice
» 1 to 2 cups milk, to desired consistency
» 1/4 teaspoon salt
» Dash of nutmeg
Take the pills with a glass of water. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a blender. Follow up with a dose of antacid, bottles of Gatorade and a bowl of soup for dinner.
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ANOTHER option is popping pills to stave off the worst hangover symptoms.
Scientists continue to study different remedies, and it's generally accepted that there are a few vitamins worth taking. The most easily recognizable are vitamins A, B and C, which are depleted when you drink.
This is why most "professional drinkers" take a daily multivitamin religiously, or keep a Costco-sized stash of Gatorade at home to guzzle after a night of fun. The easier you make it for your body to replenish itself, the less pain you'll have to endure.
Besides vitamins, there are a few other naturally occurring substances that help. Milk thistle, prickly pear and cysteine are also said to help fight off hangovers.
You can also take a "hangover pill," like Chaser or RU-21. Most of these are just supplements, but Chaser claims to use activated charcoal in order to help the body reduce the amount of cogeners it absorbs. Cogeners are byproducts of the fermentation process that are also believed to affect the severity of a hangover.
THERE ARE a few more steps you can take during the course of an evening out, as long as your thinking straight enough to remember them.
The easiest rule is not to mix drinks, unless they're the non-alcoholic kind. The more color a liquor has, the more byproducts are inside it. Clear liquors, like vodka and gin, will probably be easier on you than Jagermeister or Jack Daniel's. Or even better -- don't drink alcohol in the first place!
You'll also want to consider taking a pain reliever at some point, although exactly when is up for discussion. Whatever you do, avoid Tylenol, since it contains acetaminophen and can damage your liver. Aspirin is okay, although it can cause upset stomach in some. My suggestion would be ibuprofen, preferably before bed, after you've had a couple of hours to sober up and drink some fluids.
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Night crawlers
Your weekend guide to nightlife and clubbing on Oahu
BOARDRIDERS BAR AND GRILL
201-A Hamakua Dr. / 261-4600
Friday, Dec. 23
Black Square, 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Christmas Eve Party," 10 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Live NFL Sunday Ticket," 7 a.m.
Coming Up
Mondays: "Monday Night Football," 4 p.m.
Wednesdays: "Red Stripe Reggae Night" with Maka and the I-Sight Band, 10 p.m.
BREW MOON
Ward Centre / 593-0088
Friday, Dec. 23
Dallan Santos, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
James Kraft, 7:30 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesdays: Andy Bumatai, 8:30 p.m. $10.
Thursday: Sonny Silva, 6:30 p.m.
CARNAVAL LAS PALMAS
Restaurant Row / 533-0129
Friday, Dec. 23
"Salsa Caliente," 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Noche Reventon" with DJs Homie and Miriam, 9:30 p.m.
CHAI'S ISLAND BISTRO
Aloha Tower Marketplace / 585-0011
Friday, Dec. 23
Nathan Aweau, 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Azure McCall, 6:45 p.m.
"NJOY," with DJs Delve and XL, 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: Jerry Santos, Hoku Zuttermeister and Brian Tolentino, 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday: Robert Cazimero, 6:45 p.m.
CHEZ MONIQUE
98-150 Kaonohi St. / 488-2439
Friday, Dec. 23
Inoa'ole, 9 p.m. $5.
Saturday, Dec. 24
TBA, 9 p.m. $5.
Coming Up
"Oldies Night" with Wasabi, 8 p.m.
DON HO'S ISLAND GRILL
Aloha Tower Marketplace / 528-0807
Friday, Dec. 23
Guy Imoto, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Barry Choy, 5 p.m.
"Al Waterson & You" Karaoke Contest, 6 p.m
Coming Up
Tuesdays: Iolani Kamau'u, 5 p.m.
Thursdays: Alika Souza, 5 p.m.
DUKE'S CANOE CLUB
Outrigger Waikiki Hotel / 922-2268
Friday, Dec. 23
Maunalua, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Kapena, 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
FreeSound, 4 p.m.
Coming Up
Mondays through Wednesdays: Jonah Cummings, 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight.
Thursdays through Sundays: Haumea Warrington, 10 p.m. to midnight.
EASTSIDE GRILL
Puck's Alley / 952-6555
Friday, Dec. 23
"Karaoke Night," 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Karaoke Night," 10 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Live NFL Sunday Ticket," 7 a.m.
Coming Up
Wednesdays: "Wipeout Wednesdays" with DJ Troy, 10 p.m.
GORDON BIERSCH
Aloha Tower Marketplace / 599-4877
Friday, Dec. 23
Guy Cruz, 5:30 p.m.
Eight-0-Eight, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Night Train, 8 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: Guy Cruz, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Ben, Maila and Albert, 7 p.m.
HULA'S BAR AND LEI STAND
134 Kapahulu Ave. / 923-0669
Friday, Dec. 23
"Pau Hana Martini Sunset Fridays," 3 p.m.
Go-Go Dancers, 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Pau Hana Beach Party," 5 p.m.
Go-Go Dancers, 10 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Double Double Sundaze," 8:30 p.m.
Coming Up
Thursday: "Riot," 10 p.m.
IGE'S RESTAURANT AND 19TH PUKA
98-761 Oihana Pl. / 486-3500
Friday, Dec. 23
Ashley Watanabe Family Band, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Ashley Watanabe Family Band, 8 p.m.
INDIGO EURASIAN CUISINE
1121 Nuuanu Ave. / 521-2900
Friday, Dec. 23
"Get Fresh!" with DJs G-Spot, Sovern-T and Mark, 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Electro-Lyfe" with DJs Toki, Monkey and Vince, 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesdays: "Wrath of Grapes," 6 p.m. "Wrath of Jazz," 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: "The Compound" with DJs Jahson, Packo and Deadfoot, 10 p.m.
KAPONO'S
Aloha Tower Marketplace / 536-2100
Friday, Dec. 23
Henry Kapono, 6 p.m.
The Rocky Green Trio, 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesday: Ledward Ka'apana, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Night Train, 6 p.m.
KELLEY O'NEIL'S
311 Lewers St. / 926-1777
Friday, Dec. 23
Mike Piranha, 5 p.m.
Stumbletown, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Hubbard and Coates, 5 p.m.
FreeSound, 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
Celtic Wave, 3 p.m.
Tiki Malua, 9 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesday: Bongo Bob and Tavana, 9 p.m.
Wednesday: Doolin' Rakes, 9 p.m.
KEMOO FARMS PUB AND LAKESIDE LANAI
1718 Wilikina Dr. / 621-1835
KONA BREWING CO.
Koko Marina Shopping Center / 394-5662
Friday, Dec. 23
Naluhoe, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Jon Osorio, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Hawaiian Sunday Sunsets" with Round-N-Round, 6 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesdays: Nahoa, 7 p.m.
Thursdays: Weldon Kekauoha and Friends, 7 p.m.
LIVING ROOM @ FISHERMAN'S WHARF
1009 Ala Moana Blvd. / 538-3808
Friday, Dec. 23
"The Next Level" w/ Direct Descendants and DJs Wrong 1 and Risup, 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Speakeasy Saturdays" with DJs Archangel and Miklos, 10 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Faded 5 Sundays," 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesdays: "Soul Steady," 10 p.m.
MAI TAI BAR
Ala Moana Shopping Center / 947-2900
Friday, Dec. 23
Kimo Opiana, 4 p.m.
Katch-A-Vibe, 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Lawrence Kidder, 1 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: Kawao, 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Hot Rain, 9:30 p.m.
NEXTDOOR
43 N. Hotel St. / 550-0496
THE O LOUNGE
1349 Kapiolani Blvd. / 944-8436
Friday, Dec. 23
"XFACTOR," 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"The Light" with Moguls Entertainment and Evol Entity, 10 p.m. 18+
Coming Up
Wednesdays: "Jazz Wednesdays," 5 p.m.
OCEAN CLUB
Restaurant Row / 531-8444
Friday, Dec. 23
"Pau Hana Fridays," 4:30 p.m. $5 cover after 8 p.m. 23+
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Pau Hana Saturdays," 4:30 p.m. $5 cover after 8 p.m. 23+
Coming Up
Tuesdays: "Everybody's Ladies' Night," 8 p.m. $5. 23+
Thursdays: "Paddler's Night," 8 p.m. $5.
ON STAGE DRINKS AND GRINDS
802 Kapahulu Ave. / 738-0004
Friday, Dec. 23
"Live Music Fridays," 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Live Music Saturdays," 9:30 p.m.
Coming Up
Thursdays: "Cruzing" with Guy Cruz, 9:30 p.m.
O'TOOLE'S IRISH PUB
902 Nuuanu Ave. / 536-4138
Friday, Dec. 23
Tiki Malua, 5 p.m.
The Mixers, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Doolin' Rakes, 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Jamie Winpenny's Local Band Night" with special guest SomeOne Else, 9 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesday: "Coors Original Music Night," 9 p.m.
Thursday: Jeff Said No, 9 p.m.
PINK CADILLAC
478 Ena Rd. / 946-6499
Friday, Dec. 23
"Liquid Velvet" with DJ Dallas DeBauch,
10 p.m. $10. All ages.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Noctuary" with DJs MoDBoY and Angst,
10 p.m. $10. All ages.
Coming Up
Wednesdays: "Shockwave" with DJs Politix, Shadowfaxxx and Angst, 10 p.m. All ages.
PIPELINE CAFE
805 Pohukaina St. / 589-1999
Friday, Dec. 23
"Foreplay Fridaze" with Rick Rock, Urusai and DJ Wu-Chang, 10 p.m. 18+
Coming Up
Tuesday: "Bombasstic Tuesdays," 9 p.m.
Thursday: "Reggae Hits the Pipe," 9 p.m.
RED LION UNIVERSITY
2535 Coyne St. / 949-5466
Friday, Dec. 23
"Freaky Fridays," 10 p.m. $5.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"South of the Border Saturdays," 10 p.m. $5.
Coming Up
Mondays: "Broke Dik Mondays," 9 p.m.
Thursdays: "Dallah Ballah Thursdays," 9 p.m.
TIKI'S GRILL AND BAR
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel / 923-8454
Friday, Dec. 23
Vaihi, 7 p.m.
Weldon Kekauoha, 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
20 Degrees North, 7 p.m.
Ellsworth Simeona, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
Shawn Ishimoto, 5 p.m.
Keoki Johnson, 7 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesday: Kelly Boy and Kapena, 5 p.m.
Wednesday: Weldon Kekauoha, 9 p.m.
VENUS NIGHTCLUB
1349 Kapiolani Blvd. / 951-8671
Friday, Dec. 23
"Paradise" with DJs Technique, Edit and Krazy K, 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Men of Venus," 9:30 p.m. $10.
"Taste of Honey," 11:30 p.m. $5.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Sex-E Sundays" with DJ Big John, 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesdays: "Wild Wednesdays" with DJs Technique and Edit, 10 p.m.
WAVE WAIKIKI
1877 Kalakaua Ave. / 941-0424
Friday, Dec. 23
Missing Dave and Superstar DJ Keoki, 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Analog and DJ Dano, 10 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Double Down Sundays," 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Mondays: "Loot Leezee Presents," 10 p.m.
Tuesday: MC Pharoah and Brook Taylor, 10 p.m.
ZANZABAR NIGHTCLUB
Waikiki Trade Center / 924-3939
Friday, Dec. 23
"Fugu" with DJs Euphorik, Billy G and Frankie, 11 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"House of Isis," 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
"Sizzlin' Sundays" with DJs Mike D and Rude Dogg, 9 p.m. 18+
Coming Up
Wednesdays: "Heaven," 9 p.m.
Thursdays: "Thirsty Thursdays" with Rick Rock and DJ Wu-Chang, 9 p.m. 18+
ZEN NIGHTCLUB
1217 Hopaka St. / 597-1996
Friday, Dec. 23
"The Groove," 10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24
"Sinsation Saturdays" with Rick Rock and DJ Wu-Chang, 9 p.m. 18+
Coming Up
Thursdays: "Dollar Drink Night," 9 p.m.
Barfly appears every Friday in Star-Bulletin Weekend. E-mail Jason Genegabus at
jason@starbulletin.com with suggestions of neighborhood bars to visit.