United States – October 27, 2026 -- Coffee, cold showers and workouts will not lower your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and only time lets your body clear alcohol, according to guidance from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Judgment slips before the 0.08% limit
Alcohol can affect your judgment well before you reach the 0.08% legal limit used in most states. Feeling alert does not mean you are safe to drive. Even under the limit, your reaction time and coordination may not be where they need to be behind the wheel.
Three popular tricks only change how you feel
Caffeine is a stimulant, so coffee and energy drinks can ease tiredness. They do not help your body process alcohol faster, and they can make you feel more capable than you are.
A cold shower may leave you refreshed, but it does not reduce your BAC.
Exercise does not help either. Only a small amount of alcohol leaves the body through sweat, and the liver does most of the work. Working out while impaired also raises the risk of falls and injuries, and sweating can worsen dehydration.
Water and rest make recovery more comfortable
Alcohol makes the body lose fluids faster than usual, which can cause headaches, dry mouth and fatigue. Water helps replenish those fluids, though it will not sober you up. Rest lowers your chance of getting hurt while impaired. You can still have alcohol in your system the next morning, so feeling rested does not mean you are ready to drive.
Five factors shape how long sobering up takes
No universal countdown exists. How quickly your body processes alcohol depends on:
- how much and how quickly you drank
- whether you ate, and how much
- your age
- your body size and composition
- medications you take
Your BAC can also keep rising after your last drink while your body continues absorbing alcohol.
A plan made before the first drink beats any hack
Eating before or while you drink can slow alcohol absorption and blunt a rapid BAC spike. It does not prevent intoxication, and you can still become impaired after a full meal.
A glass of water after each alcoholic drink helps you stay hydrated and spaces out your drinks. Setting a limit in advance helps too, because many people underestimate how impaired they are while they still feel alert.
Decide how you will get home before you start drinking. Options include a designated sober driver, a rideshare such as Uber, a taxi, or staying overnight.