Can Alcoholic Beverages Hydrate You?

[Rolliet]

I'm curious if alcoholic beverages can be used to provide hydration. I've read that alcohol can induce the body to lose more water than is gained (For example beer is 95% water). However, if you have no potable water can alcoholic beverage substitute for water ? Does it depend on the percentage of alcohol? For example, does a beverage that has 1% alcohol still lead to dehydration?

 

[tadchem]

Hangover headaches are attributed to dehydration of the brain. They can be prevented by rehydration before bed.
The weakest alcoholic beverage I have ever had was Colorado's 'famous' 3.2 beer - 3.2% alcohol (6.4 proof). It is so weak it is legal to serve to minors. It can still give you a hangover headache - albeit a mild one.
See Wiki: "Low-alcohol beer"