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Can You Be Hungover From Just One Drink?
Yes, some people can feel hungover after one drink. There is no number that works the same for everyone.
The simple answer
One drink is not a promise of an easy morning. People respond to alcohol differently. What counts as one drink can differ from what fills your glass, too. If this is new for you, keeps happening, or worries you, ask a healthcare professional rather than guessing why.
Myth vs Fact
One drink is too little to cause a hangover for anyone.
Some people report a hangover after just one drink. A drink count alone cannot predict your morning.
The science
- Cleveland Clinic Some people get a hangover after just one drink, while some who drink heavily do not have symptoms.
- NIH / NIAAA It is difficult to predict how many drinks will cause a hangover because people differ. In general, more alcohol makes a hangover worse.
Medical sources
- Cleveland Clinic ↗Hangover
- NIH / NIAAA ↗Hangovers
More questions
Can you be hungover after one drink?
Yes. Some people report a hangover after one drink; there is no universal threshold.
Does one glass always count as one drink?
No. The amount of alcohol depends on the drink and serving size; the glass alone does not tell you.
Keep reading
All questions in the Answers BookThis page is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, contact a healthcare professional or call 911.
Last checked: September 28, 2026