Diet Soda May Increase Your Risk of Failing a Breathalyzer

If you want to avoid getting a DUI, stop mixing diet soda with your hard liquor.

According to a new study, which was published in a recent issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, the ingredients of diet soda will get you drunker if consumed in conjunction with alcohol. The study found that artificial sweeteners, commonly found in diet sodas, contributed to higher blood alcohol levels in social drinkers.

In the study, participants were given a selection from three beverages: vodka and diet soda, vodka and sugar-free soda, or a placebo. After drinking their beverages, the study participants were given a Breathalyzer and the statistics were documented.

Researchers found that individuals that consumed vodka with diet soda had a blood alcohol content of about 18% higher than the rest of the participants. They were noticeably more impaired, as well.

Researchers say that even though the participants displayed slower reaction times, they did not report feeling an increased level of intoxication.