Introduction
With the increase of night parties, weekend get-togethers, and holiday celebrations, drinking alcohol has become more prevalent than ever. In many cases, people drink to have fun with friends and create memorable moments. However, there are situations where you may need to sober up quickly for a clear-headed drive home or work responsibilities the following day. Here are some tips and tricks to help you quickly sober up.
Hydrate for a Faster Sobriety Process
Drinking alcohol dehydrates the body, leading to confusion, fatigue, and dizziness. As a result, hydrating by drinking water or non-alcoholic beverages can significantly accelerate the sobering process. Water also helps flush out alcohol metabolites, providing relief from headaches and nausea.
If you are drinking alcohol, it is essential to drink plenty of water or hydrating fluids such as coconut water or Gatorade while drinking. On days after drinking, keep some amount of water close by for continuous hydration. This will make sure you are ready to face the day ahead.
Exercise to Eliminate Alcohol from the Bloodstream
Exercising is one of the best ways to eliminate alcohol metabolites from the body. The body’s natural process for removing alcohol from the system is by breaking it down into acetic acid, water, and carbon dioxide. This process is known as oxidation, and it occurs primarily in the liver. However, exercising increases metabolism, which increases the oxidation process by which alcohol is broken down.
Some types of exercise that can help accelerate this process include cardio such as jogging, cycling, and swimming. These types of exercises tend to increase blood flow, which speeds up the oxygenation of the blood and elimination of alcohol.
It is important to note that exercising while drunk can be dangerous. If you plan to exercise, make sure you drink water first and consider asking a sober friend to keep you safe.
The Sobering Power of Coffee
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can help you feel alert and focused. It can help lessen some of the symptoms of a hangover, such as headaches and dizziness. Drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of accidents by increasing mental clarity and awareness when you need to focus and be more productive, such as driving.
To effectively sober up, experts recommend taking a cup of coffee and waiting for about 30 minutes for the substance to enter the bloodstream and boost the oxidation process. However, it is important to note that caffeine can have adverse effects on sleep and can cause your body to retain water and make dehydration worse. As such, it’s important to not overdo it on coffee and drink water in between cups to stay hydrated.
Eating to Lower the Alcohol Absorption and Metabolism Rates
Did you know consuming food before drinking alcohol can absorb some of the alcohol in the stomach and reduce its absorption into the bloodstream? Eating some fat- and protein-rich foods such as pizza, nuts, and cheese can help reduce the rate at which alcohol is metabolized in the body, contributing to a longer-lasting, “sobering” effect.
On the other hand, consuming sugary and starchy foods can rapidly increase the amount of alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to a faster state of intoxication, which can cause more problems when trying to sober up more quickly.
Taking Cold Showers to Speed up the Sobering Process
Cold showers are an effective and natural way to take control of your body’s chemical process when you feel too intoxicated. The cold water immediately shocks the body, increasing the heart rate, blood flow, and metabolism.
While taking cold showers may not be the most enticing idea, it can be an effective way to help you feel more alert and sober. If you can’t stand it, you can lower the temperature gradually so that the body can adjust to the cold water level.
Rest Well to Help the Body’s Metabolism Work Better
One crucial factor in sobering up is the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol faster. One way to help your body improve its metabolism is by getting enough rest. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
If you are too drunk, taking a nap or a good night’s sleep can help improve cognitive function and clear any lingering alcohol-related symptoms. If you feel like you can’t sleep, try dimming the lights, turning off the phone, and relaxing in a quiet environment. Keep in mind that sleeping more doesn’t mean that your body will automatically remove alcohol faster.
Conclusion
While it is always better to prevent getting excessively drunk, situations may arise that require you to sober up quickly. The tips above can help you speed up the process of sobering up. Keep in mind that safety is essential, and it is best to avoid drinking and driving and always hydrate and exercise cautiously.
By staying hydrated, exercising, drinking coffee, consuming food, and taking cold showers, you can help your body metabolize alcohol faster. Additionally, you can improve your body’s metabolism by getting enough time to rest. Always remember, the best way to avoid a severe hangover is to stay within your limits and drink responsibly.
