Safe Driving Bureau

Drinkaware uncovers the myths

Drivers need to be very much drink aware. We all have certain beliefs when it comes to our drinking. Do you think that - 'mixing drinks gives you the worst hangovers', 'gin makes you cry and get angry' or that 'lining your stomach with milk before drinking stops you being sick?'.

While some of our drinking beliefs are just a little misguided, others could be dangerous. The worst of these is 'I can sober up quickly if I need to'.

We all have 'magic cures' for the morning after – a strong cup of coffee, an icy shower, rasher sandwiches, flat coke….but the truth is there is no 'magic cure'. Whether sitting on the bus or eating a full Irish, your body gets rid of alcohol at the average rate of one standard drink - that's half a pint, or a small glass of wine, or a shot - per hour.

The point at which this myth gets dangerous is when you firmly believe that enough pint glasses of water or energy drinks will sufficiently sober you up to drive or operate machinery.

Even if a drink hasn't passed your lips since last night, you've had some sleep and feel alright, the morning after you could still be over the limit. So do the maths and if you are in any doubt do not take a chance.

Yes, you may risk being late for work or in trouble with the boss but these are minor compared to the possible consequences of driving over the limit.

And if you feel shaky the morning after drinking, resist the temptation to reach for 'the hair of the dog'. Even if you're not planning on driving this isn't a great idea. While 'the hair of the dog' is one of the oldest hangover 'cures' out there, it is a short-term cure at best. Your body shakes the morning after because it is going through withdrawal. Although in the short-term another beer or a glass of your 'usual' will dampen down the shakes, the body ends up with more toxins to deal with and more severe effects will result. Shakes will become earthquakes.

As we said, the only hangover cure is time. And if you've seriously got the shakes the morning after, you're heading to be way older before your time. Next you will have chronic dry skin, bloodshot eyes, broken veins, ulcers and you won't be very pleasant to be around. If your hangover is accompanied by embarrassing flashbacks from last night, blaming the drink for your actions is a lame excuse.

Researchers around the world have proved that it is possible for people who have been drinking to control their behaviour if they want to. No matter how hard you might convince yourself otherwise, we all know that means deep down you wanted to 'tell Mary what you really think of her' or call your ex.

Take this case study: Canadian volunteers were asked to press a button when prompted by a computer screen but told not to press it if a red light also appeared. Those drinking were more likely to press the button when the red light was shown. However, when drinkers were offered a small reward they performed just as well as sober volunteers. Funny that.

For more information on the Top Ten Booze Myths log onto drinkaware.ie or email drinkaware.ie