What is a common misconception about sobering methods?

Cold showers are often thought to be an effective way to counteract the effects of alcohol, with the belief that the shock of cold water can sober someone up quickly. However, this is a misconception. Cold showers do not actually reverse intoxication; they may make a person feel more alert temporarily but do not reduce the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or speed up the body's processing of alcohol. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a fairly constant rate, and no external method, including cold showers, can expedite that process.

In contrast, the other options also represent common misconceptions but focus on behaviors that won't effectively address intoxication. Sleeping it off may help a person feel better over time, but it does not address the level of intoxication. Drinking coffee might stimulate the central nervous system and lead to an illusion of sobriety, yet it does not influence alcohol metabolism. Eating food can slow the absorption of alcohol if consumed beforehand, but it does not eliminate existing intoxication. The persistence of these myths emphasizes the importance of understanding alcohol's effects on the body and recognizing that time is the only true remedy for intoxication.