How to Stop Drunk Hiccups: Simple Methods That Work

Drunk hiccups happen because alcohol irritates your diaphragm and makes you swallow more air. The best ways to stop them are: drink water slowly or hold your breath for 20 seconds. Most hiccups go away on their own in 30 minutes.

Getting hiccups when drunk is annoying but common. If you want to learn more about how alcohol affects your body or understand how long being drunk lasts check out these posts.

Why Do You Get Hiccups When Drunk?

Alcohol causes hiccups in several ways:

• Irritates your diaphragm: The muscle that helps you breathe
• Makes you swallow air: From drinking quickly or talking while drinking
• Drinking causes dehydration: Which can trigger hiccups
• Alcohol changes your breathing

The more you drink, the more likely you are to get hiccups. This is one of many reasons to drink slowly and in moderation.

Quick Tricks to Stop Drunk Hiccups

1. Drink Water Slowly

• How: Sip small amounts of cold water slowly
• Why it works: Helps reset your diaphragm and reduces irritation
• Bonus: Also helps with dehydration from alcohol
• Time: Usually works in 2-5 minutes

2. Hold Your Breath

• How: Take a deep breath and hold for 20-30 seconds
• Why it works: Builds up CO2 in your blood, which stops hiccups
• Tip: Repeat 2-3 times if needed

Breathing Techniques to Stop Drunk Hiccups

The 4-7-8 Method

1. Breathe in through nose for 4 counts
2. Hold your breath for 7 counts
3. Breathe out through mouth for 8 counts
4. Repeat 3-4 times

Diaphragm Reset

1. Take the deepest breath you can
2. Hold it as long as possible
3. Let it out very slowly
4. Repeat 2-3 times

Physical Methods to Stop Drunk Hiccups

Pressure Points

• Diaphragm massage: Gently rub the area below your ribs

Swallowing Techniques

• Dry swallow: Swallow without anything in your mouth, then swallow 3 times in a row quickly

What NOT to Do to Stop Drunk Hiccups

• Don't drink more alcohol
• Don't try to scare yourself
• Don't stand on your head
• Don't drink carbonated drinks
• Don't eat spicy foods

The Bottom Line

Drunk hiccups are annoying but usually harmless. The best methods to stop them are:

1. Drink water slowly
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
3. Use breathing techniques
4. Be patient - they usually stop on their own

Remember that hiccups are just one of many effects of alcohol. Use our BAC calculator to understand how much you've been drinking, and learn about how to drink without getting too drunk to avoid hiccups and other unpleasant effects.

If hiccups persist for more than a day or two, or if you're concerned about your drinking habits, consider talking to a doctor.