Coping With Impairment The Morning After - Tips & Advice to Know the Unkown
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From hangovers to sleep deprivation, being impaired the morning after can have a significant impact on your wellbeing and driving abilities. Learn more about waking up feeling groggy and how to better cope with the effects the morning after of a night out.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, one that we all know can result in accidents, injuries, and even death. Being responsible drivers is a decision, we all know the dangers of driving while impaired and would never dream of getting behind the wheel after a night of heavy drinking or drug use. However, what many people fail to realize is that they can still be impaired the morning after, even if they feel completely sober, yes, you read it correctly, you can “feel ok” when not . In this post, we'll explore some of the reasons why drivers can still be impaired the morning after and what steps you can take to ensure that you're always driving safely.
Processing alcohol and/or drugs in our body: The human body processes alcohol and drugs differently depending on various factors, including weight, gender, metabolism, and the type and amount of substance consumed. When you consume alcohol or drugs, they enter your bloodstream and affect your brain and body in various ways. Alcohol, for instance, is a depressant that slows down your central nervous system and impairs your coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can also have similar effects and impair your ability to drive safely.
Although the effects of alcohol and drugs can vary depending on the individual, it's important to note that they can stay in your system for hours or even days after consumption. Even if you feel completely sober the next morning, there may still be enough alcohol or drugs in your bloodstream to impair your driving ability. In fact, studies have shown that impairment can last up to 18 hours after heavy drinking and up to 24 hours after marijuana use.
Knowing the unknown: So, how can you tell if you're still impaired the morning after? The truth is, you can't. There's no reliable way to measure your level of impairment or predict how alcohol or drugs will affect your driving ability. That's why it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid driving altogether if you've consumed alcohol or drugs in the past 24 hours. Instead, consider taking public transportation, calling a taxi or ride-sharing service, or asking a sober friend or family member to give you a ride.
If you must drive, however, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk of impairment. First and foremost, make sure you get a good night's sleep and wait at least eight hours after your last drink or drug use before driving. This will give your body enough time to process and eliminate the substances from your system. It's also important to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy breakfast to help your body recover from the effects of alcohol or drugs.
Better safe than sorry attitude: In addition to taking these precautions, it's important to be aware of the signs of impairment and react accordingly. If you feel even slightly impaired or notice any of the following symptoms, pull over immediately and wait until you're fully alert and sober before continuing to drive: blurred or double vision, difficulty concentrating, dizziness or lightheadedness, poor coordination, slow reaction time, and slurred speech.
Even if you feel completely sober the morning after, there may still be enough alcohol or drugs in your system to impair your driving ability. By being aware of the risks and taking precautions to minimize your impairment, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. It is never worth the risk.