There are many tips that people utilize to avoid driving under the influence (DUI) charges. For example, some people count their drinks, while others insist on only patronizing places where they know the recipes and standards of service. Some people even invest in personal breathalyzer devices to help limit their chances of facing DUI allegations.
Others only start to worry about DUI charges when they have had a few drinks and realize they need to get home safely. One of the common suggestions made to those who have had a few drinks is to have a cup of coffee or two before heading home. The idea is that coffee can help wake people up and might even help them sober up more quickly.
Is there any medical validity to the assertion that coffee can help people sober up quickly after having too much to drink?
Caffeine does not affect alcohol levels
Contrary to what people frequently assume, ingesting caffeine does nothing to impact the body’s metabolization of alcohol. People only sober up when their bodies have effectively digested the alcohol they ingested. Caffeine does not speed up the digestive process nor does it help eliminate any of the alcohol in an individual’s bloodstream.
All caffeine does is mask the signs of fatigue. People who consume caffeine often feel a temporary increase in alertness and wakefulness. An individual who has consumed several cups of coffee before driving has the same blood alcohol concentration (BAC) they would have had even without the coffee.
It is worth noting that too much caffeine can potentially exacerbate symptoms of intoxication, including nervousness and jitteriness. Enjoying a few cups of coffee before heading home can give motorists a false sense of confidence that may translate to worse overall driving.
Those who interact with police may be nervous, which may negatively affect their performance on tests. Police officers may arrest anyone who fails a chemical test even if they have a reasonable explanation and seemingly maintained adequate control over their vehicle while driving.
Fighting back against DUI charges may be an option for many people. Seeking legal guidance can help those charged with a DUI evaluate the state’s case and plan the most effective strategy given their circumstances.
