If you partake in alcoholic drinking from time to time, you probably remember a time when you misjudged how many drinks you could handle and ended up in a situation where driving seemed tempting. Maybe you needed to get home, or a friend was relying on you to drive. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand one crucial fact: there is no magic bullet to sober up quickly. Those age-old tricks you might have heard about? Coffee, a cold shower, chugging water – they’re all myths.
While they may make you feel a bit more alert temporarily, they won’t lower your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which is what determines your level of intoxication. The only way to truly sober up is time. Your liver processes alcohol at a set rate, usually around one drink per hour. Therefore, the more you’ve consumed, the longer it’ll take to become safe to drive again.
Debunking the sobering up myths
The most common myth you might have heard is that drinking coffee, energy drinks or soda will sober you up. The reality is that these drinks might make you feel more awake, but they have no effect on your BAC.
You might also have heard comrades say that taking a cold shower or jumping in a pool will sober you up. Cold water can lower your body temperature; maybe that’s why people think it has a sobering effect. However, it won’t remove alcohol from your bloodstream.
Safe alternatives to avoid a DUI
So, what should you do if you’ve been drinking and can’t drive safely? Here are a few responsible options:
- Call a friend or family member for a ride: Most people would rather pick you up than see you risk a DUI.
- Use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft: These services are readily available in most areas and provide a safe and convenient way to get home.
- Book a hotel room nearby and wait it out: If you’re close to your destination, consider staying put until you’re sober.
All in all, the best way to avoid a DUI situation altogether is to plan ahead. If you know you’ll be drinking, designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation beforehand.
Remember, a DUI is a serious offense that can result in potentially life-altering consequences. Therefore, should you get arrested for a DUI due to a momentary lapse in judgment, consider seeking legal assistance as you battle these charges so that a misstep doesn’t forever alter your future for the worse.