Background Information
Coffee and alcohol are two drinks that are often consumed simultaneously, but can their consuption be enjoyed safely? There are several conflicting opinions on mixing coffee and alcohol and exploring the topic briefly can help form a better understanding of the potential effects of this combination.
Scientific Research
A recent study by the University of Salzburg found that caffeine doesn’t reduce the intoxicating effects of alcohol, nor does it change the intensity of the sensation. When consumed with other substances, it could potentially increase their toxic effects.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation explain that coffee only helps you to feel alert and more awake after consuming alcohol and won’t sober you up. While coffee may help to reduce the affects of fatigue, coffee and alcohol together can still cause impaired judgement, drowsiness and slow reaction times.
The Moderation Approach
Experts advise that having coffee after drinking alcohol should be done in moderation and in situations when you are confident and comfortable about your drinking. They also advise that coffee should not replace water or hydration after drinking alcohol as it does not replace the large amounts of fluids lost from drinking.
An article from ‘Food and Wine’ suggest that in one or two instances, a small, black coffee may provide enough of a stimulant to help offset some of the impairing effects of alcohol. However, ultimately, it is important to stay hydrated with plain water and take enough time to rest and recover from the effects of alcohol.
Own Insights and Analysis
Though acknowledging that there are scientific research which don’t support the notion of drinking coffee after alcohol, it is against public knowledge that coffee has been used as a folk remedy to reduce alcohol moderated hangovers. It is important to keep in mind that drinking coffee after alcohol cannot hide the potential risks that stem from over consumption such as alcoholism, accident, diseases and other health related risks. Drinking responsibly and aware of the potential impacts of alcohol is essential.
Implications of Drinking Coffee After Alcohol
Coffee after alcohol can still lead to impaired driving as it can reduce fatigue, but not impairment from alcohol. The existing scientific research shows that caffeine is not a good solution for counteracting the effects of alcohol because it does not effectively slow down the speed alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Another implication of drinking coffee after alcohol includes drinking more alcohol than you should as it does not prevent you from getting drunk, nor does it reduce the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Caffeine still enables consumption of large amounts of alcohol, putting you at higher risk of poisoning, alcohol addiction and many other alcohol-related illnesses.
The Role of Balance
According to the University of Oxford, drinking alcohol in moderation is key to avoiding short and long-term harm. Knowing your limits and choosing drinks with lower alcohol content can help you reduce the risks of drinking too much and impairing judgement.
Numerous people also opt for lower or no-alcohol drinks when combining them with coffee in order to effectively moderate the effects of alcohol or to enjoy the food and drinks without the impairing effects of alcohol.
Implications of Co-ingestion of Coffee and Alcohol
There are several implications of ingesting coffee and alcohol together such as an effect on gut health. The presence of caffeine in coffee has been known to cause gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea when consumed with alcohol.
Moreover, caffeine and alcohol also have synergistic effects on the body and have been linked with an increased risk of liver failure when consumed together. According to the Australian Government, drinking alcohol with coffee can potentially increase the risk of adverse events such as sore throat, difficulty breathing, impaired judgement, feelings of depression, and increased levels of aggression.
Functional Drinks To Cope Better With Hangovers
Functional drinks are now becoming popular for individuals in order to cope better with hangovers. Drinking seltzers infused with electrolytes, vitamins and detoxifying herbs, such as activated charcoal, can counteract the negative effects of alcohol and provide energy and detoxification that coffee alone cannot.
However, such drinks are not substitutes for water or hydration and if you experience severe hangovers, the safest thing to do is to rest, drink plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary.
The Rising Coffee Culture in Australia
Per-capita, Australia is now one of the highest coffee consuming nations in the world, as according to the International Coffee Organisation (ICO), the average Australian consumes approximately 4 kg of coffee per-year. This places Australia as the sixth largest global consumer of coffee and the highest in Asia-Pacific.
This increase in coffee consumption can be attributed to the rise of the cafe culture in Australia where having a coffee is considered a daily ritual and an enjoyable social activity. Nowadays, more people are opting to have a cup of coffee with their friends rather than alcohol and consequently providing an alternative to the risks associated with the consumption of alcohol.
