It is the ethanol content of drinks that causes intoxication, regardless of the type of beverage. There are, however, many ingredients in beverages apart from alcohol that is disagreeable to some people.

2. SOME PEOPLE DRIVE BETTER AFTER A FEW DRINKS

Impairment of driving ability starts from the first drink. Tests have proven that even professional driver's abilities diminish at Blood Alcohol Levels as low as 0.0% - 0.05%. Because judgement is also affected, people may think they are driving better, but in fact they are not.

3. A SERVING OF REGULAR BEER IS WEAKER THAN A SHOOTER.

It is the ethanol content of drinks that affects you, regardless of the type of beverage. Water based mixes may dilute the alcohol, slowing down the absorption rate, but the same amount of alcohol will eventually be absorbed into the bloodstream.

4. EXERCISE AND FRESH AIR WILL HELP SOBER YOU UP.

They do not change the rate at which alcohol is metabolized by the liver. The time taken to exercise will allow your body to continue eliminating alcohol from your body. Other than this they do nothing to make you less impaired.

5. COFFEE WILL SOBER YOU UP.

The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, so the coffee may make you more awake, but not less impaired. While you are drinking the alcohol in the blood will continue to be eliminated. You are moving toward a sober state, but not at a faster rate.

6. YOU CAN DRINK AS MUCH AS YOU WANT AS LONG AS YOU EAT A LOT.

Food slows down the absorption of alcohol, but all of the alcohol will still be absorbed. Your body will still have to eliminate the alcohol at the fixed rate that your liver works.

7. YOU CAN DANCE YOURSELF SOBER (BY SWEATING IT OUT).

Only about 5% of the alcohol is eliminated through urination, sweating and the breath. The other 95% is eliminated by the liver at a fixed rate. TIME for the body to remove alcohol is the only way to get rid of intoxication.

Reference Source: * Borrowed from "It's Good Business - A Guide to Responsible Beverage Servage"
Health Promotion, Directorate Health and Welfare Canada.

The Mission of MADD Canada is to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime.