From hangover hacks to sobering shortcuts, alcohol is surrounded by myths that have been passed down like folk wisdom. But when science enters the conversation, many of these so-called truths begin to fall apart. Here’s what the research really says.
Exercise Helps You Sober Up Faster
Nope. Moving your body might feel refreshing, but it doesn’t accelerate how your liver processes alcohol. Only time does that. In fact, exercising while intoxicated can increase your risk of injury, dehydration, and irregular heartbeat.
One Night Out Won’t Hurt Your Brain
Actually, even a single binge-drinking session can cause visible structural changes in the brain. These changes may not fully reverse — and with repeated episodes, long-term damage is possible.
The More You Drink, The More Tolerant You Get
It’s true that frequent drinkers often feel less drunk — but that’s not because alcohol affects them less. It’s because the brain has adapted. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean their organs are spared from damage.
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Alcohol Is a Stimulant
While alcohol can boost dopamine and make you feel more social at first, it’s fundamentally a depressant. Even moderate blood alcohol levels slow down your brain, impair reaction time, and reduce coordination.
Hair Of The Dog Cures A Hangover
That “morning-after beer” might offer brief relief by triggering endorphins, but it only delays the crash. Worse, it can set you on a path toward dependency and intensify future hangovers.
Sweating It Out Speeds Up Detox
There’s no shortcut to sobering up through sweat. Sauna sessions or hot showers may feel cleansing, but they don’t flush alcohol from your system any faster.
You Can Still Think Clearly While Buzzed
Even small amounts of alcohol affect your judgment and reflexes. You may feel sharp, but your brain is already working at reduced capacity — which is why overconfidence behind the wheel is so dangerous.
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Building Tolerance Means Less Risk
Not at all. A high tolerance often leads people to drink more, putting additional strain on the liver, heart, and brain. Feeling "fine" doesn’t mean you're safe.
Hangovers Get Worse With Age
Yes, and with frequency. As your body ages — or becomes worn from repeated drinking — it becomes less efficient at clearing toxic byproducts, making recovery longer and rougher.
Alcohol Helps You Sleep
It may knock you out faster, but alcohol disrupts deep sleep cycles and leads to poorer rest. You’ll likely wake up feeling groggy, not refreshed.
This article is based on information from Illustreret Videnskab
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