Alcohol does not bind well to activated charcoal. This means you can’t rely on it to prevent or minimize hangover effects. Taking activated charcoal before, during or after drinking alcohol has zero effect on blood alcohol levels. When you drink alcohol, it gets absorbed into your bloodstream. This affects your body and causes hangover symptoms. Even if you take activated charcoal after drinking alcohol, it won’t remove the alcohol from your bloodstream or help you feel better.