The idea that blood alcohol level can be reduced by drinking coffee has been around for decades. So, is it true?
NO! Coffee has plenty of effects on the body, but none of them are related to reducing blood alcohol content (BAC) more quickly than normal. It may cause you to stay awake, but it will not magically make you sober.
Coffee, Exercise, and Other Common Drinking Cure Myths
Coffee, exercise, and cold showers can stimulate your body in several diverse ways, but there’s nothing about these methods that’s going to reduce your BAC. If you want to lower your BAC, you must allow ample time after you have consumed an alcoholic beverage to allow your liver to cleanse your blood and restore it to normal.
To regain a sober status, your body must metabolize the alcohol you’ve consumed. Like coffee, food does not reduce your BAC either. According to EverydayHealth.com, a full stomach might slow down the absorption rate of alcohol, but you shouldn’t expect to sober up from a late-night binge at your favorite diner.
Drinking Myths: What You Should be Aware Of
Unfortunately, many myths have found their way to reality in the minds of drinkers. There’s nothing wrong with having an enjoyable time and letting loose, but it’s important to know the difference between true and false.
Coffee fools the brain and body into thinking it’s awake and alert. When you’ve been drinking alcohol, you should be tired and maybe lethargic when the night is over. Without caffeine, your body will know it’s time to rest. If you consume coffee, however, your body may think you’re awake and ready to conquer the day, even if your brain is too saturated with alcohol to properly (and safely) complete tasks such as driving.
Long Story Short
Wait it out. Until your body does what it’s supposed to do, there is no magic cure for too much alcohol. Find a relaxing place where you can sip on some water and rest your eyes. As noted by BGSU.edu, “Alcohol leaves the body at an average rate of 0.015 g/100mL/hour, which is the same as reducing your BAC level by 0.015 per hour.” Generally, this means it takes your body one hour to metabolize a single drink, although many other factors can effect this guideline.
The only sure way to avoid a DUI is to avoid getting behind the wheel when you’ve been drinking. There is no magic cure to make the alcohol in your system dissipate more quickly. Don’t believe the coffee myth.
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