Common questions about drinking
Isn't it true that if I have been drinking then have black coffee this will help sober me up?
This is not the case - the only thing that will sober you up is time. Coffee might make you feel more alert because caffeine is a stimulant.
Can different people tolerate different amounts of alcohol?
Yes there are individual differences, for example people under the age of 16 years are less able to cope with alcohol than an adult because their body is not fully matured. Factors such as weight, height, and whether the person has eaten before or during their drinking. People who drink a lot often can become more tolerant to alcohol. This means that they have to drink more than the average person to feel drunk.
If I have had a few drinks how long will it take for the alcohol to get out of my system?
It will take roughly an hour per unit of alcohol that you have drank. If you drink more quickly and have more than one unit in an hour it will take longer for your body to get rid of the alcohol.
Can I save up all my units for a Friday night?
This is not a good idea as binge drinking can cause several problems. You are more likely to have accidents. Binge drinking can also lead to serious health problems. Remember, also that if you are drunk you are more likely to do things that you would later regret, such as getting into arguments or having unprotected sex.
Should I drive in the morning after a heavy session?
No. You will probably still be over the legal drink driving limit in the morning, even if you don't feel drunk. It takes time for your body to get rid of alcohol. After a heavy session you should leave the car at home. Sleep will not speed up the rate at which the liver works. Just because you have nights sleep does not necessarily mean you will sober up in the morning. It depends on how much you drank the night before.
Is it safe to have one drink then drive?
Having one drink makes you twice as likely to have an accident. One large glass (250ml) of wine or two pints of 3.5% beer can be enough to put you over the legal limit. It doesn't matter if you can hold your drink or don't feel drunk, the legal limit is based on the amount of alcohol in your blood and any amount of alcohol impairs your ability to drive.
Will I be fine if I drink plenty of water before I go to bed?
This can stop hangovers. But it won't make you less drunk.
Aren't the safe limits of drinking too low, especially for us Scots?
The safe limits are based on good research which has identified the level above which problems start to arise. For example, if a man drinks 5 units each day, then on average he doubles his risk of developing liver disease and raised blood pressure.
