What is the Cheers Pill? A Comprehensive Overview
The Cheers pill most commonly refers to Cheers Restore, a dietary supplement designed to be taken after consuming alcohol to reduce the negative after-effects. The product gained significant public attention following its appearance on the ABC show Shark Tank. The company, Cheers, markets a suite of products for alcohol-related health, but Restore is its flagship offering intended for next-day recovery.
Unlike an intoxicant, the supplement is not intended to be taken before or during drinking to prevent intoxication. Instead, its purpose is to aid the body's natural processes of recovering from alcohol consumption, primarily by focusing on two key mechanisms: the processing of acetaldehyde and the effect of alcohol on the brain's GABA receptors.
The Science Behind Cheers Restore’s Key Ingredients
The effectiveness of Cheers Restore is attributed to its patented blend of key ingredients, which the company claims are backed by scientific research. The formula notably contains a high dose of Dihydromyricetin (DHM) and L-Cysteine.
Dihydromyricetin (DHM)
Also known as Vine Tea extract, Dihydromyricetin is a flavonoid found in the Japanese raisin tree that has been used in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries as an herbal liver aid. In the context of the Cheers pill, DHM is purported to address what is known as "GABAa rebound".
- How GABAa Rebound Works: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter. This is why alcohol consumption causes feelings of relaxation and sedation. As alcohol is cleared from the system, the brain's GABA receptors experience a sudden drop in activity, leading to a compensatory hyperexcitability. This rebound effect is believed to cause anxiety, restlessness, and other symptoms of a hangover, sometimes referred to as "hangxiety".
- DHM's Proposed Role: By working while you sleep, DHM is intended to buffer this GABAa rebound, reducing the intensity and duration of these next-day effects and leading to a more restful recovery. Research on DHM, including an article in The Journal of Neuroscience, has explored this effect.
L-Cysteine
L-Cysteine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in metabolizing alcohol's toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a highly toxic substance produced when the liver first breaks down alcohol, and its buildup is a major contributor to hangover symptoms like headaches, nausea, and upset stomach.
- Neutralizing Acetaldehyde: L-Cysteine helps promote the breakdown of acetaldehyde by binding with it to form a non-toxic compound that can be more easily processed by the body.
- Increasing Glutathione Levels: L-Cysteine is also a precursor to glutathione, often called the body's "master antioxidant". Drinking alcohol depletes glutathione levels, making the body less efficient at processing toxins. The L-Cysteine in Cheers Restore is intended to help increase glutathione levels, supporting the liver's detoxification efforts.
Comparison of Cheers Products
Cheers offers a range of products, with Restore focusing specifically on the after-effects of drinking. Here is a comparison of some of their most popular items based on company information:
| Feature | Cheers Restore (Pill) | Cheers Relief (Pill) | Cheers Protect (Pill) |
|---|---|---|---|
| When to Take | After your last drink/before bed | The day after drinking, as needed | Daily, for long-term liver support |
| Key Ingredients | DHM, L-Cysteine, Milk Thistle | Ginger, White Willow Bark | L-Cysteine, DHM, Milk Thistle |
| Primary Function | Reduce GABA rebound & acetaldehyde exposure | Address next-day symptoms like pain & nausea | Increase glutathione levels & support liver |
| Best For | Feeling better the morning after drinking | Managing lingering day-after discomfort | Proactive, daily liver support for drinkers |
Scientific Scrutiny and FDA Disclaimers
It is crucial to approach dietary supplements like the Cheers pill with caution, as the scientific community and regulatory bodies have raised important questions regarding their efficacy and safety.
- Lack of Regulation: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not evaluate the claims made by dietary supplement companies. In 2020, the FDA issued warning letters to companies selling unproven hangover products, reiterating that no product can legally claim to cure, treat, or prevent a hangover.
- Insufficient Evidence: As noted by a Northwestern Medicine expert, there is a lack of large-scale, placebo-controlled studies to prove the efficacy of such pills. Smaller studies may show some effects, but experts like those at McGill University's Office for Science and Society highlight the limited evidence for many hangover remedies.
- The False Sense of Security: A primary concern is that taking a supplement might give individuals a false sense of security, encouraging them to drink excessively. Health experts emphasize that no pill can make excessive alcohol consumption safe or prevent long-term liver damage.
- Safety and Moderation: The only medically sound way to prevent a hangover is to practice moderation or abstinence. Excessive alcohol consumption always carries risks, and supplements should not be viewed as a reliable buffer against these dangers.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions
Ultimately, the Cheers pill, or Cheers Restore, is a dietary supplement that leverages certain ingredients to address specific physiological effects of alcohol consumption. While the company highlights the scientific basis of its formula, it operates within a largely unregulated market for such claims. The product should not be seen as a "cure" for a hangover or a way to undo the effects of excessive drinking.
For those who choose to drink, understanding the mechanisms behind hangovers is useful. However, the most effective and safest strategies remain responsible consumption, proper hydration, and prioritizing your overall health. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement is recommended, especially for those with existing health conditions or who are taking other medications. A thoughtful approach to alcohol consumption, paired with a focus on overall wellness, is the most reliable path to feeling your best, the day after and beyond.
