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Why Your Friend Can Probably Drink More Than You (2025 Guide)

Writer's picture: Patrick HoranPatrick Horan

Updated: Feb 5



I know it sounds unfair but yes, your friend might be able to process alcohol faster than you. While you might feel like (temporarily) hating them, it’s not their fault.


In this short article I’m including a list of the most popular questions about drink driving as well as answers, FAQ’s and myths debunked.


Remember, this is a general guide only. Terms and conditions (your weight, age, sex etc) apply.  

 

"There’s evidence to show that insurance companies
are attempting to void your cover
if you’ve been arrested for drink driving.
As I regard them as little more than
legal pondlife who would slit your throat
if it meant they didn’t have to pay out on a claim,
there are ways to deal with them"


Recent RSA and Drink Aware data show 1 in 10 Irish motorists admit driving after alcohol in the past year, rising to 24% among those previously involved in collisions.


With 8,863 DUI arrests in 2023, and half occurring between midnight-6am, the morning after poses unexpected risks.

This guide breaks down processing times by body type and debunks common myths about sobering up.


Why You Might Be Over The Limit When Your Best Friend Isn’t


Your weight, gender, age and genetics all play crucial roles in how your body processes alcohol - meaning two people drinking the same amount can have very different blood alcohol levels.


Your individual factors matter:


  • Weight: Lighter = alcohol hits harder

  • Gender: Women reach higher BAC than men

  • Age: Over 65s process slower

  • Metabolism varies by genetics




What Exactly is a ‘Standard’ Drink?


4.5% pint cider equals 2 standard drinks (568ml): two hours to process

17% glass of cream liqueur equals 0.7% standard drink (50ml)

4.5% can of lager equals 1.8 standard drinks (500ml): two hours to process

40% pub measure of spirits equals 1 standard drink (35.5ml): one hour to process

12.5% glass of sparkling wine equals 1.5 standard drinks (125ml): two hours to process.


4.5% bottle of lager equals 1 standard drink (330ml): one hour to process

14% glass of wine equals 1.1 standard drinks (100ml)

14.5% bottle of wine equals 8.6 standard drinks (750ml)

12.5% glass of wine equals 1 standard drink (100ml)


12.5% ¼ bottle of wine equals 1.8 standard drinks (187.5ml): two hours to process

4% bottle of alcopop equals 1 standard drink (275ml)

3% pint of lager equals 1.3 standard drinks (568ml)

 

12 pints of stout? Yes, people do ask that question.


It’ll take you 24 hours to process.


Processing Time By Body Type


Bigger, “chunkier” people fare better here. Don't get mad at me for saying that, it’s just a scientific fact.


Data shows lighter people need significantly longer to process the same amount of alcohol compared to heavier individuals.


Under 65kg:

  • Pint = 2.5+ hours

  • Large wine = 3+ hours

  • Spirit = 1.5+ hours


Over 85kg:

  • Pint = 2 hours

  • Large wine = 2.5 hours

  • Spirit = 1 hour


Common Myths Debunked


Some of the things people believe here would be hilarious if it wasn’t so serious.

Only time removes alcohol from your bloodstream.


For the record, these don't work:


  • Coffee

  • Food

  • Exercise

  • Showers

  • Water

  • "Hair of the dog"


And forget about using mouthwash to help screen the smell of alcohol from your breath in case you come across a Garda checkpoint.


If they smell mouthwash, it’s a clear sign you’ve been drinking.

After all, how many people are washing their teeth at 2am?


Key Statistics


Recent research reveals concerning trends about drink driving in Ireland, especially among young drivers and those who drive for work.


  • 86% know alcohol impairs driving

  • 23% of young adults don't believe small amounts affect driving

  • 1 in 10 Irish drivers admit drink driving

  • Males (14%) and work drivers (14%) show higher risk of driving after drinking

  • Previous collision drivers: 24% risk of driving after drinking


"And forget about using mouthwash to
help screen the smell of alcohol from
your breath in case you come across
a Garda checkpoint.
If they smell mouthwash, it’s a clear sign
you’ve been drinking.
After all, how many people are washing their teeth at 2am?"


Critical FAQs


Essential answers to the most common questions about drink driving limits, timing, and consequences in Ireland.


  • "Emergency driving after drinking?" Never. Call 999.

  • "12 hours enough wait?" Depends on:


  • 8 pints = unsafe until at least 2pm next day

  • Wine bottle = 9+ hours at least

  • 4 spirits = 4+ hours at least


"Non-alcoholic beer safe?"

Contains 0.5% alcohol. May affect roadside breath test.





Insurance coverage?


There’s a lot of evidence to show that insurance companies are attempting to void your cover if you’ve been arrested for drink driving.


As I regard them as little more than legal pondlife who would slit your throat if it meant they didn’t have to pay out on a claim, there are ways to deal with them.


If you’ve been arrested for drink driving this is an allegation only in the eyes of the law. It is not proof that you drank and drove. Only a judge can come to this determination, if they do based on the evidence.


If a judge acquits you, then in the eyes of the law, you have been found not guilty of drink driving.


So, tell your insurance company that unless the government magically abolished the judiciary overnight and appointed them in their place without telling any of us, they’ll just have to follow the law, no matter how inconvenient, just like the rest of us.

 

 

As Sergeant Phil Esterhaus used to say in 'Hillstreet Blues', “let’s be careful out there”.

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