Final answer:
The only effective way to lower alcohol levels in the bloodstream is by giving the liver time to metabolize the alcohol. Consuming coffee or eating does not speed up this process. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a fixed rate, requiring at least five hours for a legally intoxicated person to become sober.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to get alcohol out of one's system is to allow the liver sufficient time to metabolize the ingested alcohol. This is the only effective measure to reduce alcohol levels in the bloodstream and avoid alcohol toxicity.
Contrary to popular belief, consuming coffee or food will not accelerate this process. The liver has a set rate at which it can process alcohol, which is typically about one standard drink per hour.
Considering a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) legal limit of 0.08, a legally intoxicated individual would need at least five hours to metabolize the alcohol and return to sobriety.
As the body can only expel alcohol at a fixed rate, patience and time are essential for full recovery from intoxication.