A hangover refers to symptoms that usually occur the day after drinking alcoholic beverages. The road to recovery from a hangover starts with good hydration. Since alcohol is a diuretic, it makes you urinate more, which leads to dehydration. Drinking water and drinks containing electrolytes can be helpful when you have been drinking and are already dehydrated and your electrolyte levels are low. Also, fresh ginger or its powder, when brewed with some water and made into a tea, can have a great effect on the hangover after drinking alcoholic beverages. Other tips, such as drinking coffee and exercising, may help people appear alert for a while.