Sober in 5 is a relatively unknown product. The purpose of this product is to “kill the buzz” brought on by consuming alcohol. The idea is that a person can be sobered up in a quick amount of time. The active ingredient is Dihydromyricetin, a chemical compound that is relatively commonly used as an anti-hangover medicine. According to the explanation on Sober in 5’s website , the compound can be used to speed up the sobering process. Hence the name, Sober in 5, meaning five minutes.

This may seem like it is too good to be true. An article on Smarter Nootropics takes a deeper look into the authenticity of these claims. In the article, Mike Minneman talks about the research that he had studied that confirms that a person can become less intoxicated from the compound. However, the article states that a person shouldn’t partake in driving after taking Dihydromyricetin because it doesn’t lower a person’s blood alcohol level, therefore the person would still be breaking the law. It also doesn’t fully sober a person, still leaving them at a slight impairment. This almost directly contradicts the information on the Sober in 5 website. In the description of Dihydromyricetin, the Sober in 5 website clearly states that it has the ability to lower a person’s blood alcohol level. Nowhere on the website does it warn the customer of this. A customer who reviewed this product even talked about taking it before driving.

“Over the weekend I had a few drinks at a restaurant and I did not wanna drive home feeling that way. I drank a sober in 5 I felt great within 10-15 minutes.” – Ben

This is a part of the testimonial on the website. This is a review from a customer. What this person is saying is that he wasn’t comfortable enough to drive home without taking the Sober in 5. If this person was pulled over, he potentially could have been arrested if his blood alcohol level was over the legal limit. Withholding this information is dangerous to its customers as they are still technically drunk. Even more alarming was a slogan that was posted on the website that reads: “Don’t Drink and Drive, have a Sober in 5.” This seems like the company is saying that the product can lower blood alcohol levels, when, in fact, that is not proven. Sober in 5 wasn’t able to be reached for comment.

On their website, they base their research off of a seemingly unknown study that Dihydromyricetin had the sobering effect on rats. They also briefly mention that studies have also been done on humans. No links to specific references are posted on the site. Most of the website is not thorough enough when discussing its product. Sober in 5 may be a good relief for a hangover, but it may not be the answer to getting sober faster.