What effect do carbonated drinks have on intoxication rates?

Carbonated drinks can increase the speed of intoxication for several reasons. The carbonation in these beverages can cause the alcohol to be absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream. When a carbonated drink is consumed, the carbonation increases the pressure in the stomach, which can push the alcohol into the small intestine more quickly. This is where the majority of alcohol absorption occurs.

As a result, individuals consuming alcoholic beverages mixed with carbonated drinks may experience a quicker onset of intoxication compared to drinking the same amount of alcohol in a non-carbonated form. Therefore, the presence of carbonation can significantly impact how quickly a person feels the effects of alcohol, leading to increased intoxication rates.