What is the most effective way to sober up an intoxicated person?

The most effective way to sober up an intoxicated person is time. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver at a relatively constant rate, and there is no way to speed up this process significantly. Each person's body may handle alcohol differently, but on average, the body eliminates about one standard drink per hour. Therefore, allowing time to pass is the only way to reduce the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and allow the individual to regain sobriety.

Other methods, such as drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or eating a large meal, may create the illusion of increased alertness or decreased intoxication, but they do not expedite the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol. Caffeine in coffee might make a person feel more awake but does not reduce their level of intoxication. Similarly, cold showers might temporarily shock the system but won’t affect blood alcohol levels. Eating a large meal may slow the absorption of alcohol if consumed before drinking but has no impact on sober up after ingestion has occurred. Thus, focusing on time as the determinant factor is crucial for safe recovery from intoxication.