The Truth About Sugar and Alcohol: Debunking the Myths

It is a common belief that consuming sugar while drinking alcohol can either speed up or slow down its intoxicating effects. This myth has been circulating for years, but what is the real story? Let's delve into the facts.

The Role of Sugar and Alcohol in Your Body

Alcohol is always prioritized by your body for digestion over carbohydrates, including sugars. This means that even if you consume alcohol with sugary drinks, the primary focus of your body will be on processing the alcohol. According to Wikipedia and scientific studies, the process of digestion will not significantly slow down the absorption of alcohol into your system. Therefore, sugar does not have a substantial impact on making you less drunk.

Why Sugary Drinks Make You Drunk Faster

Sugary drinks often water down the alcohol, making it less potent. However, this does not make you less drunk. In fact, they can make you get more intoxicated more quickly. Bartenders and other experts in the field will confirm this. Sugary drinks are inherently pleasant to consume and, as mentioned by research, people tend to drink them more quickly than non-sugary beverages. This rapid consumption can lead to quicker intoxication because your liver can only metabolize a certain amount of alcohol at a time. The publication suggests that sweet drinks are absorbed faster by the body, contributing to a more rapid inebriation.

Rapid Intoxication and Myth of Sugary Drinks

The old myth that sugary drinks can get you more drunk originates from this very fact. People often consume sugary drinks at a faster rate, leading to intoxication. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the speed at which you consume alcohol affects your level of intoxication. When drinks are consumed rapidly, they are more likely to cause intoxication because your body has less time to break them down.

Effect of Sugar on Hangovers

Several studies, such as the one conducted by the University of Amsterdam, suggest that the addition of sugar in your drink can worsen the hangover. Despite the idea that sugar might reduce inebriation, the overall impact is not significant enough to significantly alter your level of intoxication. However, sugar does bring the alcohol into your body faster, potentially leading to a quicker and more severe hangover.

Alternatives to Reduce Intoxication

Based on the scientific literature and expert opinions, the only effective way to reduce your level of intoxication is to not drink alcohol or to drink less of it. Moreover, some bartenders suggest that eating certain foods, such as cheese and tomatoes, can help to reduce the effects of alcohol. However, the scientific evidence for these claims is not as strong. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, these foods may help, but the effects are more significant in the context of overall alcohol intake than in isolating the effects of sugar.

Conclusion

Sugar alone does not make you less drunk. It speeds up the absorption of alcohol into your body, which can result in quicker inebriation and a more severe hangover. The key to responsible alcohol consumption lies in moderation, understanding the effects of the drinks you choose, and making informed decisions. Whether you're at a bar or hosting a party, always prioritize your health and well-being.