Can I Really Prevent a Hangover with a Breathalyzer?

When it comes to hangovers, prevention really is the best--some say the only--cure. But with a breathalyzer, you can effectively avoid the worst effects of a hangover--as long as you monitor your BAC closely. If you make sure you are (at most) a 0.02% when you hit the sack, you should be able to avoid a painful morning.

Nevertheless, there are times when celebrating may go a little longer or a little later than we expect. Next time you wake up feeling less than top notch, why not try one of these morning-after cures from around the globe?

  • Italy: Espresso and fruit juice.
  • Germany: Pickled herring wrapped around a pickle or an onion, otherwise known as rollmops.
  • Japan: Shijimi Soup—miso soup with raw egg and pickled plums.
  • Poland: Pickle juice straight from the jar.
  • Ecuador: Oregano tea, which is also called ‘‘chuchaqui’’ in the ancient Quechua language.
  • Ireland: Bury a person up to the neck in moist sand. When not conveniently located near a beach or playground, the Irish also favor the fry up--fried eggs, sausage, mushrooms, toast, tomato, bacon and the ever popular black pudding.  
  • Denmark: Reparationbajer—a morning-after beer, aka, hair of the dog.
  • Russia: A nice steamy sauna.
  • U.S.A.: The Prairie Oyster, or a Bloody Mary.
  • Mongolia: Pickled sheep eyeballs in tomato juice.
  • China: Strong green tea or water with lemon.
  • Switzerland: Rösti, a potato pancake made with thin, grated potatoes.
  • Korea: Haejang Guk, or "soup to chase away a hangover." Usually consists of cabbage, congealed blood, beef stock, tripe, and green onions.