Final answer:
The myth that mixing drinks causes higher intoxication levels is false; intoxication is determined by the total alcohol volume and BAC, not the combination of drinks. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a consistent rate, and excessive consumption, regardless of drink type, can have serious health consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The myth that mixing different types of alcoholic drinks leads to higher levels of intoxication is not true because intoxication is primarily influenced by the overall amount of alcohol consumed, not by the variety of drinks. The critical factor in determining intoxication levels is one's blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which can vary based on several personal factors including age, sex, metabolism, and health conditions, rather than the combination of drinks consumed.
When it comes to the metabolism of alcohol, the liver's ability to metabolize alcohol is consistent, processing alcohol at a steady rate of about 15 mg/dL per hour regardless of the type of drink. Therefore, the promise that tactics like drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will sober you up faster is incorrect. Only giving the liver enough time to process the alcohol will reduce BAC and alleviate intoxication.
It's also important to consider the social and health consequences of heavy drinking, such as lack of coordination, blurred vision, and an increased risk of accidents and physical disorders. Further, the saying 'the dose makes the poison' applies, because consuming moderate amounts of alcohol may not be harmful, and has been linked to increased longevity, while excessive alcohol use can lead to a host of negative effects including addiction, health issues, and even death.