Answers Book · Alcohol in your body

How Do You Sober Up Fast?

The 10-second answer

You can't sober up fast. Coffee, cold showers, and walking won't undo alcohol's effects. Stop drinking, stay with people you trust, and get a ride.

The simple answer

There's no fast way to sober up. Only time lowers the alcohol in your blood. Coffee may wake you up, but being awake is not the same as being sober. A cold shower or a walk won't undo the alcohol either. Stop drinking, have water, stay with people you trust, and get a ride home. Never drive.

Myth vs Fact

Myth

A strong coffee sobers you up enough to drive.

Fact

Cleveland Clinic says coffee won't clear alcohol any faster. Feeling more awake is not the same as being sober. Never drink and drive.

The science

  1. NIHCold showers, hot coffee and walking do not reverse the effects of alcohol and could make things worse.
  2. Cleveland ClinicMixing coffee or energy drinks with alcohol may make you feel less drunk, but you can lose track of how much you've had, and it won't clear alcohol from your system any faster.
  3. NIHBlood alcohol can keep rising after you stop drinking, because alcohol in your stomach keeps entering your blood.
  4. Cleveland ClinicYour body needs about an hour to process one drink.

Medical sources

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This page is general information, not medical advice. Sources are linked above. If you're worried about yourself or someone else, contact a healthcare provider or call 911.
Last checked: September 25, 2026