Can You Get A Fever After Drinking Alcohol?
Yes, alcohol can lead to a fever in some people. However, a fever is usually indirectly related to drinking alcohol. A true fever (a temperature of ≥100.4°F) isn’t a typical immediate result of alcohol itself, but several alcohol‑related processes can raise body temperature or trigger an actual fever.
At Serenity Grove’s alcohol detox and rehab in Georgia, we help people overcome alcohol use disorders (AUD) and learn to manage their recovery. Part of our mission is raising awareness about alcohol addiction.
This page will help answer questions you may have about fever and alcohol consumption.
Why Alcohol Makes You Feel Warm
Alcohol can affect your body in several ways that may leave you feeling unusually warm.
One of the main reasons is that alcohol causes your blood vessels to widen, a process called vasodilation. As more blood moves closer to the surface of your skin, you may notice:
- Flushed cheeks
- Sweating
- A temporary sensation of warmth
However, this feeling can be misleading, and even dangerous, because your body may actually be losing heat faster than normal. The old idea that drinking alcohol when you’re cold ‘warms you up’ is a misconception.
Alcohol can also:
- Contribute to dehydration
- Disrupt sleep
- Weaken your immune system
- Trigger inflammation
All of these changes may make you feel physically unwell after drinking. In some cases, especially after heavy alcohol use, these effects can leave you feeling feverish or overheated even if you do not have an actual fever.
Can You Get a Fever After Drinking Alcohol?
You can develop a fever after drinking, but alcohol itself isn’t what directly causes it. A fever usually means your body is responding to something else—most often an infection or another stressor that throws your system out of balance. Because alcohol disrupts your body’s normal regulation (your “homeostasis”), it can make you more vulnerable to those underlying issues.
Some people also react to ingredients in certain alcoholic drinks, like additives, sulfites, or even the alcohol itself. When your immune system kicks in, similar to an allergic response, a fever can show up as part of that reaction.
It’s also worth noting that alcohol doesn’t actually raise your core body temperature. It makes your blood vessels widen, which can make you feel warm, but your internal temperature tends to drop, not rise.
How Can You Avoid A Fever After Drinking?
The most reliable way to avoid fever‑related issues after drinking is to limit how much you drink—or choose not to drink at all. If cutting back feels difficult or you keep drinking despite negative effects, that can be a sign of alcohol use disorder.
If you’re noticing patterns like this, treatment for alcohol addiction can make a real difference. Treatment gives you structure, medical oversight, and a space to work through the physical and emotional impact of alcohol. As soon as you stop drinking, your body begins to stabilize, and you reduce your risk of further harm. With consistent care, you can start healing from the stress alcohol has put on your health, relationships, and daily life.
When you’re stuck in a cycle of drinking, it’s easy to feel like nothing will change. But recovery is possible. People do get better, and you can too. Help exists, treatment works, and you’re not as far from a healthier future as it might feel.
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in Georgia
Serenity Grove provides comprehensive treatment for alcohol use disorder, from detox to residential treatment and outpatient support, right here in Georgia. We also provide dual diagnosis programming for patients who experience co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression along with alcohol dependence.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free addiction assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
SOURCES:
- Can a Hangover Cause a Fever? — Healthline
- Alcohol’s Effects on the Body — National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
- Unhealthy Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs