Urban legend, it doesn't help you out.

http://www.shs.uwo.ca/questions/alcohol.htm#7
"7. Is it true that coffee (caffeine products) can help you sober up?

The short answer to the question is no, caffeine products do not speed up the process of becoming sober. Your liver is responsible for eliminating the toxins (including alcohol) from your bloodstream. The liver eliminates alcohol at a fixed rate over time. The time frame required to reduce your B.A.C. (blood alcohol content) may be different for each person. Bottom line: If you have been drinking, no amount of coffee is going to make you a safe driver - you coordination and concentration will remain impaired until your liver has had time to do its job. There is no way to speed up the process.

So what is happening when you feel more alert after a couple of cups of coffee? Your body is responding to the caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and may cause you to feel more awake and clear-headed -but don't be fooled. That caffeine stimulated alert-feeling does not signal that you're B.A.C. has dropped or that you are sobering up. In fact, hot liquids have been shown to increase the rate at which alcohol is absorbed through your stomach and into your bloodstream. Speeding up alcohol absorption into the bloodstream does nothing to speed up the liver's rate of toxin elimination. So, the long answer to the question is that the only thing that drinking coffee will do is help you pass the time - and time is exactly what your liver needs. Coffee does not sober you up."
Source(s):
http://www.shs.uwo.ca/questions/alcohol.htm#7

Permalink | Report

This is an urban legend.  The only thing that can sober you up is time, and dependent upon how much alcohol you have ingested it can take a long time (the more the longer).2 bottles beer - 2 hours to leave body4 bottles beer - 4 hours to leave body6 bottles beer - 6 hours to leave body8 bottles beer - 8 hours to leave body10 bottles beer - 10 hours to leave bodyh
Source(s):
Collier's Encyclopedia

Permalink | Report

It is a myth. And the product, a wide-awake drunk is potentially more dangerous to him/herself and others.

A link below shows other alcohol myths
Source(s):
http://www.cracked.com/article_16929_5-drinking-myths-that-can-kill-you.htm...

Permalink | Report