Study finds diet soda may lead to higher levels of intoxication

April 19, 2013

Study finds diet soda may lead to higher levels of intoxication

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Those attempting to watch their caloric intake may be at an increased risk of driving under the influence, according to a recent study. The study, conducted by researchers affiliated with Northern Kentucky University, found those who consumed alcoholic drinks mixed with diet soda instead of regular soda had an 18 percent increase in their breath alcohol concentrations.

As a result, it appears the choice of mixer could mean the difference between getting a driving under the influence, or DUI, charge and leaving a stop with only a warning.

Details of the study

The study, recently released in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, was inspired by tests conducted on patrons leaving bars in Texas. Researchers with the University of North Texas took breathalyzer tests and surveyed what the bar goers consumed. Interestingly, they found those who consumed beverages mixed with diet soda had significantly higher readings than those who used regular soda.

These findings led researchers to conduct a study of their own. The study was fairly small, using less than twenty participants. Eight men and eight woman consumed drinks mixed with regular Squirt and diet Squirt. The regular soda drinkers blew a 0.077 breath alcohol reading, while diet drinkers were at 0.091.

Explaining the difference between diet and regular soda

The reason behind the increase has roots in basic biology. Regular soda contains sugar. When consumed, the body treats sugar like a food group. This causes the digestive system to slow down; digesting the soda like it might digest a small meal. Since the stomach is taking time digesting the sugar in the soda, the alcohol enters the bloodstream at a slower rate.

In contrast, those who consume drinks mixed with diet soda are not consuming sugar. The digestive system is not slowed, and the alcohol enters the bloodstream more quickly.

Impact on California DUIs

In California, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. Based on this experiment, those who consumed alcohol with diet soda were over the limit, while those who mixed their drinks with regular soda fell below.

California has harsh consequences for those convicted of a DUI. Penalties include:
-Revocation of driver's license
-Monetary penalties
-Possible imprisonment

In addition to these criminal penalties, it can also be difficult to find employment and housing since a DUI conviction can appear on a criminal record.

Because of the wide reaching negative impact of a DUI conviction, it is important to take the initial charges seriously. There are various circumstances that could lead to dropping of the charges. If you or a loved one is charged with a DUI violation contact an experienced DUI attorney to discuss your situation and better ensure your legal rights are protected.