Do cheers pills actually work? A scientific examination of hangover supplements

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to several companies illegally selling hangover products, noting concerns that they could give consumers a false sense of security. This raises a critical question for consumers: Do cheers pills actually work? This article will explore the scientific evidence, or lack thereof, behind the claims made by Cheers and similar after-alcohol aids.

Quick Summary

Despite claims of aiding post-drinking recovery, robust clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of Cheers pills is lacking. Experts caution against relying on unregulated dietary supplements, emphasizing that responsible drinking is the only proven method for preventing hangovers.

Key Points

Inconclusive Evidence: Robust scientific studies, particularly large-scale human clinical trials, have not proven that Cheers pills are definitively effective in preventing or treating hangovers.
FDA Not Approved: Dietary supplements like Cheers are not regulated by the FDA, which does not evaluate them for safety or efficacy, and the FDA has warned against unproven hangover products.
Ingredient Limitations: Key ingredients like DHM and L-Cysteine show promise in some studies (often animal-based), but their effectiveness in humans for hangovers is not conclusively established.
Risk of False Security: Relying on supplements for hangovers may lead to a false sense of security, potentially encouraging excessive alcohol consumption and masking the body's natural warnings.
Placebo Effect Factor: Any perceived relief from symptoms could be influenced by the placebo effect, where belief in a product's effectiveness produces real, though psychological, results.
Moderation is Key: The only scientifically proven way to avoid a hangover is through responsible drinking, including moderation, hydration, and eating beforehand.

The Science of a Hangover

Before evaluating Cheers pills, it is essential to understand what causes a hangover. While dehydration is a contributing factor, the primary culprits are more complex metabolic and neurological processes.

Acetaldehyde Exposure: When the liver processes alcohol, it creates a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde. This compound is a significant factor in causing hangover symptoms like nausea, headaches, and flushing.
GABA Rebound: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. As the body clears the alcohol, it experiences a "rebound" effect, leading to a state of over-excitement, which can manifest as anxiety and poor sleep.
Inflammatory Response: Alcohol consumption can trigger an immune system response, releasing cytokines that contribute to fatigue and muscle aches.

The Claims vs. The Evidence Behind Cheers Pills

Cheers, particularly its flagship 'Restore' product, primarily markets a patented blend of Dihydromyricetin (DHM) and L-Cysteine to address acetaldehyde and GABA rebound. Other products, like 'Relief' and 'Protect,' focus on other ingredients for next-day aid and daily liver support.

Dihydromyricetin (DHM)

This flavonoid from the Japanese raisin tree has shown some promise in preliminary studies, such as a 2012 animal study suggesting it counteracts acute alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. However, experts note that animal study results do not confirm effectiveness in humans and that large-scale human trials are needed.

L-Cysteine

An amino acid that helps produce glutathione, a natural antioxidant that aids in neutralizing acetaldehyde. While a 2021 trial on a related compound (NAC) showed some reduction in nausea and weakness in female participants compared to placebo, the effectiveness of L-cysteine itself for hangovers in humans is not proven by robust trials.

The Placebo Effect

Believing a pill will alleviate symptoms can contribute to feeling better, a phenomenon known as the placebo effect, which can influence subjective relief from hangover symptoms.

Medical and Regulatory Scrutiny

Dietary supplements, including Cheers, are not subject to the same FDA regulation as medications. This means manufacturers are not required to provide proof of safety or effectiveness before selling their products. The FDA has issued warnings regarding companies selling unproven hangover products, citing concerns about a potentially dangerous 'false sense of security' they might provide. Medical professionals remain skeptical, highlighting the lack of strong evidence for hangover cure claims. According to Dr. Cheung of Northwestern Medicine, well-designed clinical studies are necessary to demonstrate efficacy, and such pills do not enhance the safety of alcohol consumption for the body. The most reliable methods to prevent alcohol-related health issues, including liver damage, are moderation or abstinence.

Comparing Hangover Remedies


Feature	Cheers Restore (DHM + L-Cysteine)	Traditional Remedies (Water, Food)	Responsible Drinking (Moderation)
Underlying Mechanism	Supports liver function, minimizes GABA rebound, boosts antioxidants	Rehydration, replenishes electrolytes, stabilizes blood sugar	Prevents the buildup of toxic byproducts and reduces dehydration
Scientific Evidence	Inconclusive; requires large-scale human clinical trials	Well-established; addresses known contributors to hangover symptoms	Unequivocally proven to be the most effective prevention method
Regulatory Status	Unregulated dietary supplement	Generally safe and common-sense approaches	N/A (behavioral choice)
Potential Risks	Unknown long-term effects; false sense of security leading to excessive drinking	Minimal (unless over-hydration occurs)	Alcohol-related health issues still possible with any consumption
Effectiveness	Anecdotal relief; potentially influenced by placebo effect	Relieves symptoms but does not prevent root causes	Prevents the root causes of a hangover from occurring

The Only Proven Strategies for Avoiding a Hangover

Since the science behind hangover supplements is not conclusive, a few time-tested strategies offer the best results for a better morning.

Hydrate Consistently: Drink a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage to help combat dehydration.
Eat Before and During Drinking: Having food in your stomach slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
Pace Yourself: Limiting your intake to approximately one standard drink per hour allows your body more time to process the alcohol.
Know Your Limits: Be aware of how your body responds to alcohol and stick to responsible consumption levels. The only guaranteed hangover prevention is drinking in moderation or not at all.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Cheers Pills

Based on current scientific evidence, it is not possible to say definitively that Cheers pills actually work as a reliable remedy or preventative measure for hangovers. While the ingredients (DHM and L-Cysteine) have theoretical mechanisms and some supporting preclinical data, conclusive, large-scale human trials confirming their efficacy are missing. The potential for a placebo effect and the well-documented risks associated with excessive drinking remain significant considerations for anyone using such products. Ultimately, no supplement can undo the damage caused by heavy alcohol consumption. Responsible drinking is the only scientifically backed strategy for truly preventing a hangover and supporting long-term health.

Visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) for authoritative information on alcohol and health.

About the Author

This article was written by a medical science writer with an interest in pharmacology and public health. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheers products, particularly the Restore version, contain ingredients like Dihydromyricetin (DHM), L-Cysteine, milk thistle, and B vitamins, aimed at addressing the metabolic byproducts of alcohol.

No, Cheers pills, like other dietary supplements, are not regulated or approved by the FDA for treating or preventing hangovers. Manufacturers are not required to prove their products are effective before selling them.

The medical community is generally skeptical due to the lack of robust, peer-reviewed human clinical trials. Experts emphasize that marketing claims are not the same as scientific proof and that supplements do not make drinking safer.

Medical experts are clear that no pill can prevent liver damage from alcohol consumption. The only way to prevent liver damage is to drink in moderation or not at all.

The placebo effect can influence perceived effectiveness. If you believe a pill will help your hangover, that belief can lead to a subjective improvement in how you feel, regardless of the supplement's ingredients.

The most effective methods for managing alcohol's effects are drinking in moderation, staying hydrated by drinking water, eating a meal before drinking, and pacing yourself. These methods are backed by evidence and common sense.

It is not safe to rely on Cheers or any other supplement as a green light for excessive drinking. These products do not negate the health problems associated with high alcohol intake and may encourage risky behavior by masking symptoms.