New research that will be published in the April 2013 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research and was reviewed at the Eureka Alert website on Feb. 5, 2013, clearly shows that drinking the same amount of alcohol with a diet mixer registers a higher breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) than drinking the same amount of alcohol with a regular mixer or drinking an equivalent amount of alcohol straight up.
The researchers had 16 participants (8 females, 8 males) attend three sessions where they received one of three doses - 1.97 ml/kg vodka mixed with 3.94 ml/kg Squirt, 1.97 ml/kg vodka mixed with 3.94 ml/kg diet Squirt, and a placebo beverage - in random order. The participants' BrACs were recorded, as well as their self-reported ratings of subjective intoxication, fatigue, impairment, and willingness to drive. Their objective performance was assessed using a cued go/no-go reaction time task.
"Alcohol consumed with a diet mixer results in higher BrACs as compared to the same amount of alcohol consumed with a sugar-sweetened mixer” according to Cecile A. Marczinski, assistant professor of psychology at Northern Kentucky University, who led the research.
Artificially sweetened alcohol mixers allow a faster rate of alcohol absorption through the stomach lining than sugar containing mixers do.
The significance of the research is bar owners need to be aware of these phenomena so they do not serve people who appear not to be intoxicated more alcohol when that person is actually above the legal limit.
More important result of this research is making people who drink aware that diet mixers may produce a higher breath alcohol concentration and a higher state of intoxication than a person actually realizes.
Simply have a designated driver to avoid being stopped and jailed for driving while intoxicated. This simple routine keeps you safe and the police busy doing more important tasks.
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