California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Alcohol Practice Exam

Which statement about the effects of food and coffee on sobriety is correct?

1. They can significantly speed up the sobering process

2. They have no effect on the sobering process

3. They can enhance intoxication

4. They can temporarily mask the signs of intoxication

The correct answer is: They have no effect on the sobering process

The correct statement is that food and coffee have no effect on the sobering process. This means that while consuming food or coffee may create certain perceptions, such as feeling more alert or less impaired, they do not actually reduce blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or expedite the elimination of alcohol from the bloodstream. It's important to understand that food can slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, but it does not sober someone up if they are already intoxicated. Similarly, coffee or caffeine may make someone feel more awake, leading them to believe they are more sober than they actually are. However, this feeling is misleading since the effects of alcohol remain until the body processes and eliminates it. Recognizing these facts helps to clarify common misconceptions about managing intoxication and emphasizes the importance of responsible drinking practices.