Which statement describes the effect of alcohol on hydration?

• A. Alcohol hydrating the body.
• B. Hydration only matters before drinking.
• C. Hydration has no link to alcohol use.
• D. Alcohol is a diuretic that can cause dehydration; drinking water helps maintain hydration and may reduce hangover severity.

Answer: (D)

Alcohol’s diuretic effect leads to dehydration. It reduces the release of vasopressin, the hormone that helps the kidneys retain water, so you urinate more and lose fluids. This fluid loss can cause common dehydration signs like thirst, dry mouth, headache, and dizziness, which are often part of a hangover. Drinking water alongside alcohol helps replace lost fluids, keeping hydration levels more balanced and potentially reducing hangover severity. The other ideas miss the real link between alcohol and increased urine output or imply hydration isn’t connected to drinking at all, which isn’t accurate. Hydration matters before, during, and after drinking.