Many young people have likely been there—it’s the end of a fun night out with friends, and they realize they’ve had one too many drinks. Panic sets in as they think about driving home. Suddenly, they remember those quick sober-up tricks they’ve heard about: drinking coffee, eating a big meal or exercising.
But here’s the hard truth: sobering up quickly is a myth, and relying on these methods can land you in serious trouble. Breaking down why these tricks don’t work can save you from a DUI charge.
The science behind sobriety
Alcohol metabolizes in your body at a fixed rate, typically about one standard drink per hour. This process happens in your liver, and there’s no way to speed it up. When you consume alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and:
- Impair your judgment
- Compromised your coordination
- Slows down your reaction time
Drinking coffee or splashing cold water on your face might make you feel more alert. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these tactics do nothing to reduce your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In fact, these tricks can create a false sense of sobriety, making you believe you’re okay to drive when you’re not.
For example, caffeine might make you feel awake, but it doesn’t counteract the effects of alcohol. Similarly, eating a heavy meal might slow the absorption of alcohol, but it won’t lower your BAC if you’ve already been drinking.
The DUI danger zone
Since law enforcement officers are trained to spot signs of impairment, sobering up tricks may not work on them. Suppose you’re pulled over; no amount of coffee or breath mints will hide the smell of alcohol or your slurred speech. You should always remember that even if you feel fine, the concentration of alcohol could have already surpassed the legal limit.
Suppose a sobering-up trick has already led you into DUI trouble; you can benefit from hands-on legal support. The right guidance can help you minimize any potential penalties. Even well-intentioned individuals make mistakes from time to time.