Since alcohol dehydrates the body, begin and end your night on the town with plenty of water. If you're out for several hours, possibly hopping from one holiday party to the next, alternate between alcoholic beverages and a glass of water.

Be sure to eat before or while drinking because drinking on an empty stomach significantly increases your rate of intoxication. Having food in your stomach -- particularly, proteins, fats and dense carbohydrates -- helps dilute the concentration of alcohol in your belly and slows the absorption process.

Studies have shown that caffeine may help relieve a hangover-induced headache. Makes sense -- the stimulant is often found in over-the-counter headache medications. However, Drs. Block and Levitan do not recommend drinking beverages that combine caffeine and alcohol, as these drinks are generally not safe. Save your caffeine for the morning after.

Combat the diuretic effect of alcohol by replacing electrolytes with a sports drink or a supplement, like Vous Vitamin Recovery Act, which contains thiamine, folic acid and magnesium. The unique formulation was inspired by the IV fluid dubbed a "banana bag," which is used in hospital settings to treat heavily intoxicated patients, and works by replenishing nutritional deficiencies and preventing alcohol from binding to certain cell receptors in the brain. The Recovery Act supplement also can be used to prevent a hangover, and comes in a handy pocket pack so you can take one and share one with a friend.

While alcohol may help people fall asleep faster, it has been shown to disrupt sleep patterns and results in a night of poor quality sleep. After too many cocktails, rest and recuperate with time.