What common misconception exists about sobering up after drinking alcohol?

The common misconception about sobering up after drinking alcohol that is most widely held is the belief that drinking coffee will help speed up the sobering process. Many people think that consuming caffeine can counteract the effects of alcohol, making them feel more alert and capable of driving or operating machinery. This belief is misleading because, while caffeine may temporarily increase alertness, it does not eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream or reduce its impairing effects. The body metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate, and nothing can accelerate this process, including coffee.

Time is the only reliable factor that truly sober someone up, as the liver needs time to process and eliminate alcohol. Hence, individuals can mistakenly feel more sober after consuming coffee, leading to poor judgment regarding their actual level of impairment. Understanding that time is essential for detoxification emphasizes the importance of not relying on stimulants to negate the effects of alcohol.