What Alcohol Dehydrates You the Most?

The best way to avoid a conviction for operating while intoxicated (OWI) is to avoid being intoxicated in the first place. Dehydration is one of the key factors that speed up the intoxication process (and intensifies the next day’s hangover).

This begs the question: which types of alcohol are the most dehydrating? Perhaps you should avoid those the next time you hit the town.

Alcohol Content Matters

In general, drinks with a higher alcohol content – think spirits such as vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum – are higher on the spectrum of alcohol content, making them more dehydrating per ounce than alcohols such as beer and wine. Some alcohols – think Everclear grain alcohol – seem like they were designed to buzz up and dry out the human body.

Speed is a Factor

How you drink your alcohol is another crucial factor. For example, if you tend to drink beer quickly but can savor a single pour of whiskey over the course of an evening, the whiskey is a better choice if you are looking to avoid getting dehydrated.

What is Your Alcohol Paired With?

Mixing liquor with a caffeinated beverage can result in increased urination and dehydration. This is because caffeine – like alcohol – is a diuretic substance. This is an important factor to consider if your drinks of choice include Irish coffee or you enjoy cola as a mixer.

Check out this article to learn more about the science behind alcohol and dehydration.

 

If you find yourself facing an OWI charge, turn to our proven criminal defense lawyers at Birdsall Obear & Associates.