Myth #1
Amount of alcohol consumed and Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) charts alone can accurately measure an individual’s level of impairment.
Truth
- Body weight, age, sex, absorption rate, physical health, other drugs and percentage of body fat are examples of factors that can also influence impairment.
- There is variability in sensitivity to alcohol (aka tolerance) between individuals.
- Chronic alcohol use can lead to tolerance, meaning that higher consumption is needed to create the same effects.
- Therefore, counting drinks and BAC charts can only provide a guide to expected level of impairment and therefore are not exact measures.
Myth #2
Coffee, cold showers, and food can lower one’s blood alcohol level.
Truth
- Time is the only way to lower BAC.
- Keeping in mind that there is variation among individuals, the average metabolic rate is around seven grams per hour, which is roughly one drink per hour.
- Coffee, cold showers or food can not remove alcohol from your system or change your BAC.
- Because coffee is an energy drink/stimulant it may mask the signs of impairment, giving a false sense of sobriety.
Myth #3
As long as you “feel sober” it’s safe to operate a vehicle.
Truth
- Since there is variability in how alcohol effects one person to another, some may think they feel normal or confident in their ability but still have a blood alcohol level that is considered too high to drive or safely operate machinery.
- Refer to Serving Sizes and Guidelines for more information on how different BAC levels can influence driving abilities.
Myth #4
A bottle or can of beer does not have as much alcohol as a of glass wine or liquor.
Truth
- Standard serving sizes are designed so that you get the same amount of alcohol from your beverage of choice.
- Although beer generally has a lower percentage of alcohol it is made up for by the larger serving size (12 ounces) compared to wine (5 ounces) and liquor (1.5 ounces).