A  report by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, productivity losses attributed to alcohol were estimated at $119 billion for 1995. While hangovers may account for just a part of that amount, the report found “a positive relationship between the frequency of being ‘hungover’ at work and the frequency of feeling sick at work, sleeping on the job, and having problems with job tasks or co-workers.”

A 2000 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine states, “In the United Sates, related absenteeism and poor job performance cost $168 billion annually (average annual cost per working adult, $2,643.00). Although hangover is associated with alcoholism, most of its cost is incurred by the light-to-moderate drinker. Patients with hangover may pose substantial risk to themselves and others despite having a normal blood alcohol level. Hangover may also be an independent risk factor for cardiac death.”

The  study also stated, “Hangover’s have never been shown to effectively deter alcohol consumption, and no evidence shows that alleviation of hangover symptoms would result in further consumption. In contrast, the discomfort of hangover symptoms may prompt further alcohol intake (for example, the 'eye opener'). One study of 178 persons found that ‘those who experience greater hangover may choose to drink more alcohol in order to relieve these adverse effects.’”