“Being under the influence of alcoholic beverages is a recipe for disaster. During this Alcohol Awareness Month 2017, we at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. feel it is time to review the myths and facts about alcoholic beverages. The AAA (American Automobile Association) and StopAlcoholAbuse.gov have provided the following helpful information,” said Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

AAA Myths & Facts:

1. Myth: Coffee can sober up someone who has had too much to drink.

Fact: Only time sobers. It takes about one hour for your body to process each drink. For teens it may be longer.

2. Myth: Hard liquor is more intoxicating than beer or wine.

Fact: A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol and the same intoxication potential as 1 ½ ounces of liquor.

3. Myth: Someone who has had too much to drink will look intoxicated.

Fact: Someone’s physical appearance can be misleading. One drink can impair someone’s ability to drive. Judgment is the first thing affected when someone has been drinking and important motor skills are next.

StopAlcoholAbuse.gov Myths & Facts for Teens:

1. Myth: Alcohol is not as harmful as other drugs.

Fact: Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill you.

2. Myth: Adults drink so kids should be able to drink too.

Fact: A young person’s brain and body are still growing. Drinking alcohol can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism. People who begin drinking before age 15 are 5 times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking after 21.

3. Myth: I can sober up quickly by taking a cold shower or drinking coffee.

Fact: On average it takes 2-3 hours for a single drink to leave the body. Nothing can speed up the process, including drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or “walking it off.”

4. Myth: All the other kids drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in.

Fact: According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, if you really want to fit in, stay sober. Research shows that more than 70 percent of youth ages 12 to 20 have not had a drink in the past month.

5. Myth: Drinking alcohol will make me cool.

Fact: There is nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out or getting sick.

MADD of Southwest Florida (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) says, “Ending drunk driving begins with preventing underage drinking.” Its initiative is focused on tackling the underage drinking problem. To do this MADD created a free booklet, The Power of You9th) Teen Booklet. Along with the booklet, MADD has a program which it brings to schools, churches and other organizations to share the vital message about underage drinking.  

“MADD’s program ‘to share the vital message about underage drinking’ can come to you. Here is some information from MADD on how to get approval to provide this information,” said Attorney Spivey:

• The presentation can be offered in an auditorium or classroom setting.
• It is perfect for both middle school and high school.
• The presentation combines multimedia and a game format to keep kids’ attention.
• The presentation is designed to be about 45 minutes, but trained presenters can make that presentation longer or shorter to meet your needs.
• Teens will also walk away with MADD’s education Power to Take a Stand teen booklet for more information.”

Hurt By Drunk Driver Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.