How to Sober Up Fast: Preventing Dehydration

Understanding Alcohol and Its Effects

The excessive use of alcohol can affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Some examples include:

• An increase in isolation and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Cognitive disruptions and delays
• Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much (hypersomnia) and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Otherwise unexplained physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
• An increased risk of harming yourself and/or others

The excessive use of alcohol can also lead to serious issues of dehydration. However, seeking professional help can rapidly alleviate symptoms and issues from drinking alcohol.

If you or someone you know is struggling with excessive alcohol use or alcohol use disorder (AUD), our team at Profound Treatment can help.

What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Alcohol?

When you drink alcohol, your body can be drastically and negatively affected, beginning the moment you take the first drink.

Some immediate issues that happen to the body when alcohol is ingested are slurred speech, impaired vision, reduced cognitive ability, nausea, and, yes, dehydration.

Longer-term issues include an increased risk of many types of cancer (such as pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer), liver and kidney issues, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

While these physical symptoms are always dependent upon the individual, the reality is that if you drink alcohol (especially to excess), you are causing physical harm to your body.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain and Mental Health?

Many people who struggle with AUD also struggle with co-occurring issues of mental health due to the direct correlation between addiction and mental health problems.

Drinking alcohol can lead to disrupted thought processes, issues like blacking out and memory loss, as well as an increase in mood swings. It also causes an increase in anxiety and depression.

If you are struggling with anxiety and depression and drink regularly, there is a potential that the two issues are related. The good news is that anxiety, depression, and addiction do not have to be the norm. The team at Profound Treatment can help by providing the healthcare to meet your unique needs.

What Is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?

Blood alcohol concentration (also referred to as BAC) is the percentage of alcohol present in the blood during and after consuming alcohol. 

BAC is often utilized in medical and legal settings.

How Does the Amount of Alcohol You Drink Impact BAC?

The amount of alcohol you drink directly affects your BAC because it introduces more alcohol into the bloodstream.

The more you drink, the higher your BAC is going to become, indicating the level of alcohol intoxication.

How Alcohol Is Processed in the Body

How Is Alcohol Processed in the Body?

Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream via the stomach and small intestine, then metabolized by the liver into acetaldehyde. 

The way alcohol is processed is also dependent upon a person’s size and tolerance level to alcohol. Gender can also be a factor.

How Does the Body Metabolize Alcohol?

The body metabolizes alcohol via the liver, eventually creating acetate.

Acetate is eventually excreted out of your system naturally, but not after having many potential negative effects.

How Long Does It Take to Sober Up Naturally?

The amount of time it takes to become sober depends on your physical makeup and how your body metabolizes alcohol.

However, you can expect to sober up naturally roughly an hour and a half after your BAC peaks. But, this does not mean that you will not continue to feel the negative effects of consumption long after your last drink.

Can Eating or Drinking Water Speed Up Alcohol Metabolism?

The concept that eating or drinking water can speed up alcohol metabolism is a myth. 

The only thing that is going to help alcohol metabolize in your system is time. It is a scientific process.

How Does Dehydration Affect Blood Alcohol Level?

If you are dehydrated, there is less water to dilute the alcohol and thus makes your BAC higher.

This is why it is recommended to drink plenty of water if you are going to be drinking alcohol. However, drinking water will not stop you from feeling all of the negative effects of alcohol consumption.

Does Drinking on an Empty Stomach Make You Drunk Faster?

Yes, food absorbs alcohol and slows the process of intoxication, but only to a minimal degree.

The short answer to this question is yes. However, one should be careful when trying to make simple adjustments to avoid intoxication. They do not make much of a difference.

Common Myths About Sobering Up

What Are Some Common Myths About Sobering Up?

There are many common myths about sobering up that have mostly been proven to either be false or have very minimal effects.

The following are a few myths about sobering up:

• Caffeine will sober you up
• Eating will absorb most of the alcohol and sober you up
• Taking a cold shower will “snap you out of it”
• You can sweat out alcohol via exercise
• Throwing up will make you sober up faster

Does Coffee Help You Sober Up Quickly?

No, drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee will not sober you up quicker.

The reality is that caffeine can actually make you more dehydrated and lead to worse physical symptoms related to drinking.

Can a Cold Shower or Fresh Air Lower Your BAC?

No, a cold shower will not lower your BAC. 

“Tricks” like taking a cold shower may make you more aware of your current status, but they will not sober you up faster. Only time will eventually lower your BAC.

Does Exercise Help Metabolize Alcohol Faster?

Excessive exercise is often touted as a way to metabolize alcohol faster; however, this is a myth.

In fact, exercising while intoxicated can be both dangerous and lead to a greater risk of dehydration. There is no such thing as “sweating it out.”

Why Doesn’t Drinking Water Instantly Make You Sober?

Drinking water is important; however, once alcohol has been absorbed into the bloodstream, drinking a glass of water will not lower your BAC.

Water is helpful, but it is not a “magical sobering cure.”

What Are Safe Ways to Support Your Body After Drinking?

The best actions you can take after drinking alcohol are to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of water. 

Supporting your body after drinking alcohol is critical. However, these are not options that will sober you up faster.

Recognizing When Drinking Becomes Dangerous

When Does Drinking Become Dangerous? 

Drinking becomes dangerous when your BAC reaches dangerous levels and can lead to irreparable harm.

It is important to know when drinking alcohol shifts into the danger zone. Drinking too many alcoholic beverages can lead to long-term physical, mental, and emotional problems. It can also lead to potential alcohol poisoning and accidental death.

What Are the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning or Alcohol Overdose?

The following are a few of the signs of alcohol poisoning:

• Increased heart rate and labored breathing
• Vommitting
• “Blacking out”
• A quick rise in body temperature

It is important to notice when drinking turns from being “fun” to being dangerous.

How Is Binge Drinking Different From Social Drinking?

Binge drinking is when you drink an excessive amount of alcohol in a minimal amount of time.

Binge drinking can also be very dangerous, as it can lead to greater instances of alcohol poisoning and death.

What Should You Do if a Loved One Drinks Too Much Alcohol?

If a loved one drinks too much, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Many people don’t realize just how affected the family can be by drinking. This is why addiction is often referred to as a “family disease.”

When Does Alcohol Use Become Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use can become alcohol use disorder when you become physically dependent on alcohol.

Also, people with alcohol use disorder tend to have an unhealthy mental obsession with alcohol.

How Can Alcohol Affect Blood Sugar and Overall Wellness?

Alcohol consumption can cause blood sugar levels to quickly drop or spike. 

This is dangerous because it can shock the system and lead to organ failure.

Steps to Support Sobriety and Recovery

What Is The First Step I Should Take to Overcome Alcohol Addiction? 

The good news is that help is available. The first step is admitting that there is a problem.

The next step is asking for help. This must be followed by an active plan of action. Profound Treatment can help with this plan.

How Can You Safely Detox From Alcohol?

It is important to remember that you should never try to detox on your own, especially from alcohol, as it can even lead to death.

To safely detox from alcohol, you should reach out for professional help. A medical detox center will make sure that you are properly hydrated and have the right type of medications to prevent seizures. It also makes the process much less painful, both mentally and emotionally.

What Role Do Hydration and Nutrition Play in Recovery?

Hydration and nutrition are critical for recovery, ensuring that the recovery process runs smoothly and healthily.

How Can Deep Breathing or Mindfulness Help During Detox?

Deep breathing and mindfulness are critical components for a well-rounded recovery.

Mindfulness practices can reduce blood pressure, increase serenity, lower anxiety and depression, and help with respiratory issues.

When Should You Seek Help From a Treatment Center?

If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you should reach out to a treatment center as soon as possible.

It is never too early (or too late) to ask for help if you think you have a problem. The key is taking action ASAP.

What Evidence-Based Treatment Programs Support Long-Term Recovery?

Many effective evidence-based treatment programs can help support addiction recovery.

Some of the most common evidence-based treatment programs reside in the realm of psychotherapy. These programs include the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is also commonly used.

Finding Professional Help at Profound Treatment

What Does Professional Help Look Like? 

Here at Profound Treatment, we have all of the tools to help you recover from alcohol addiction. 

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then you are ready to recover. We are here to help when you are ready.

Why Choose a Residential Detox Program for Alcohol Addiction?

A residential detox program may be an ideal form of recovery for you.

Residential detox programs ensure that you are cared for 24/7. They also connect you to all of the means, methods, and modalities that are going to help you recover in the long term.

How Does Profound Treatment Support Clients Through Withdrawal?

Here at Profound Treatment, we have the tools that can help you through the withdrawal process as painlessly as possible.

These tools are medical, emotional, and holistic. The key is to make the detox process run smoothly and set you up for recovery success moving forward.

What Therapeutic Modalities Are Used During Alcohol Detox?

Many effective modalities are used during the detox process.

These modalities include evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT, experiential therapies like art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.

How Can Clients Take the First Step Toward Sobriety Today?

The most important step you can take toward recovery is asking for help. From there, you will receive significant support in your journey.

FAQs About Sobering Up and Alcohol Detox

Are Sobering Up and Detox Related? 

Yes, sobering up and alcohol detox are related, but they are ultimately two separate things.

Becoming sober in the moment is important, but if you think you have a problem with alcohol, then detox may be the most important step you take in your recovery journey. It is where recovery begins.

How long does it take to sober up after drinking alcohol?

It only takes a few hours to sober up after your last drink.

However, if you have a problem with alcohol, recovery is about more than just getting sober. It is about a lifelong journey of wellness and growth.

Can you sober up fast by drinking water or eating carbohydrates?

No, you will not get sober faster by eating more carbs or drinking more water. 

There may be a slight change in how quickly you become intoxicated based on consuming food and water. However, this is also minimal.

Does alcohol stay in your system even after you feel sober?

Absolutely. Alcohol can remain in your system long after you are sober.

This is why many people find themselves in legal trouble (such as driving under the influence) even after they “feel” sober. Feeling sober and being sober are two totally different things.

What are the dangers of trying to sober up quickly without medical help?

You should never try to detox or sober up quickly on your own. It can be dangerous.

Many people don’t realize that withdrawal from alcohol can lead to something known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), and it can even be deadly.

Can dehydration make alcohol’s effects worse?

Yes, dehydration can make alcohol’s effects worse because the alcohol is more concentrated in your bloodstream.

This is why seeking a professional detox is so crucial. A professional detox can ensure that your hydration levels are optimal to ensure that the process runs smoothly and is as painless as possible.

How can treatment programs help prevent future substance abuse?

Treatment programs are not meant to be a “one and done” process. They exist to lead to long-term recovery.

Treatment programs can introduce the right means, methods, and modalities that can help you recover from substance use and stay recovered in the long term.

These programs also help connect you to the outside methods that can help you stay sober, such as 12-Step recovery and other community recovery options. Addiction treatment programs also help to ensure that chronic relapse does not occur.

When should someone seek professional alcohol treatment?

If you think that you have a problem with alcohol, then the time to reach out for professional help is now. 

You don’t have to wait to be sure. The pain can stop as soon as you are ready.

Professional alcohol treatment is the best way to ensure that you no longer have to struggle with the mental, emotional, and physical anguish that excessive alcohol intake and AUD can cause.

The time to recover is now. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Our team at Profound Treatment can help.

Understanding your options and educating yourself about healthy sobriety and avoiding dehydration is critical. If you’re exploring options to sober up fast or seeking support, our team at Profound Treatment is here to provide guidance and resources. Contact us today at (833) 737-3422 to learn more and take the first step toward sobriety and recovery.