Criminal Justice

1- Mythbusters: Sobering up techniques, part 1
( https://youtu.be/T6-qEaJssdM )

2- Video 2:
Mythbusters: Sobering up techniques, part 2
( https://youtu.be/9mmJMIwsaDQ )

One of the funniest episodes of Mythbusters is also one that is full of different experiments and hypothesis testing examples. Adam and Jaime try 4 different techniques for “sobering up” and make conclusions – either busted (i.e., fail to reject the null) or plausible (i.e., reject the null) – about each. Do you agree with their conclusions? Which ones do you agree with? Why do you agree or disagree?

Your response should be 2 pages, in APA format, 12pt font, 1″ margins, references page, etc. Cover page and abstract not required. Make sure to use a .doc, Docx, or RTF file format and attach the file when submitting.

This assignment has a minimum of five (5) required sources. While the video can count as one source, this means you need to find additional sources to add detail and support to your answers. Look for real-world examples in the news, peer-reviewed journals, etc.

ANSWER

Sobering up Techniques

Adam and Jaime’s experiment on techniques to sober up is an interesting one and necessary with regards to how many people have asked themselves the same questions answered by the experiment. Their findings are standard with regards to other internet sources and go hand in hand to prove myths as well as facts about sobering up. While some improvements discussed in this essay improves the process of sobering up, the truth is that alcohol in the body is chemistry that cannot be altered by anything else but time (Hua et al., 2013). Consumption of alcohol accumulates alcohol in the blood systems because the liver takes time to break it down. To measure the amount of alcohol in the body, a test known as the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), is used. Trying techniques such as drinking coffee, slapping, exercise or dipping the face in cold water does not reduce the BAC in the body (Hua et al., 2013). However, this essay examines Adam’s and Jaime’s hypothesis and findings and uses literature review analysis to expound more on the topic.

Taking strong coffee to sober up is a common myth that it helps in sobering up. The fact is that alcohol makes a person sleepy while caffeine is a stimulant. It can help in feeling awake but does not hasten the process of sobering up by increasing the metabolism rates of alcohol in the blood system (Healthline.com). In fact, taking coffee or any other caffeinated drink like an energy drink while drunk is dangerous because it makes the body less aware of the drunkenness. The result of that is either more drinking or confidence to drive or other risky activities that could prove to be a serious health hazard.

The second alternative in the experiment was exercise. This is one proven method to sober up which has some chemistry basis. Biologists indicate that when we exercise, blood flows faster increasing the breaking down of alcohol by the liver (Alcohol Problems and Solutions). Adam and Jaime were able to prove this in their experiment. However, exercise is also a subject to time because the liver also processes with certain limits.

Dipping your face in cold water or taking a cold shower. This option is a myth that could have devastating consequences. The shock of cold water can make a drunk person lose consciousness or go into shock and experience a heart attack (CulturaColectiva.com). This technique also has no chemistry basis and does not lower BAC at all. Adam and Jaime’s curve actually took a negative turn after dipping Jaime’s face in cold water.

Lastly in the experiment was slapping. Again this one has no chemistry basis but it can prompt temporary alertness which is what Adam observed. However, BAC remains the same and suffering the pain becomes highly unnecessary and ineffective.

Other options people have considered for a while is throwing up which only works if the activity is instantaneous. Like immediately after swallowing a sip of alcohol. Alcohol is absorbed very fast to the blood system that throwing up does not improve BAC. However, it could eliminate nausea caused by excessive drinking (Hua et al., 2013). Eating fatty food is also highly recommended but is not effective in sobering up. If fatty food is taken before alcohol consumption, then the alcohol is first absorbed into the bloodstream making it take longer to get drunk. However, if already drunk the fatty foods serve no purpose (Hua et al., 2013).

References

Alcohol Problems and Solutions. How Can I Sober Up Fast? What Works and What Doesn’t. Retrieved on 12^th November 2020 from https://www.alcoholproblemsandsolutions.org/how-can-i-sober-up-fast/

CulturaColectiva.com. 5 Scientifically Proven Methods That Will Sober You Up Fast. Retrieved on 12^th November 2020 from https://culturacolectiva.com/technology/how-to-sober-up-fast

Healthline.com. How to Sober Up. Retrieved on 12^th November 2020 from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-sober-up#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

HUA, J. Q., HUANG, C. Q., WANG, Q., & WU, F. (2013). Research of the sobering-up function of fruit juice mixed with tomato pomelo and pear. Science and Technology of Food Industry, 15.

Youtube.com. Mythbusters: Sobering up techniques, part 1. Retrieved on 12^th November 2020 https://youtu.be/T6-qEaJssdM

Youtube.com. Mythbusters: Sobering up techniques, part 2. Retrieved on 12^th November 2020 https://youtu.be/9mmJMIwsaDQ