As a sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that nonalcoholic beers like O'Doul's will not get you drunk. The low alcohol content in these beers makes it virtually impossible to consume enough of them in a short enough span of time to cause intoxication. Let me explain why.
O'Doul's, for example, has an alcohol content of only 0.4% ABV (alcohol by volume). This is about one-tenth of what you would typically find in a light beer. To put it into perspective, a typical light beer usually has an alcohol content ranging from 3-5% ABV. So, O'Doul's is significantly lower in alcohol content.
To understand why nonalcoholic beers cannot get you drunk, we need to look at how alcohol affects our bodies. When we consume alcoholic beverages, the alcohol is absorbed into our bloodstream and affects our central nervous system, leading to the feeling of intoxication. The more alcohol we consume, the higher the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) becomes, and the more pronounced the effects of intoxication.
Considering the low alcohol content of O'Doul's, it would require an enormous quantity of this nonalcoholic beer to even come close to reaching a noticeable BAC. To put it into perspective, a person would need to consume roughly ten times the amount of O'Doul's compared to a regular light beer to reach the same alcohol content.
Moreover, the pace at which our bodies metabolize alcohol also plays a crucial role. Our livers can only process a certain amount of alcohol per hour, known as the liver's metabolic rate. On average, the liver can metabolize about one standard drink per hour. In the case of O'Doul's, the alcohol content is so low that it would be metabolized quickly and efficiently, further reducing the chances of intoxication.
It's important to note that individual tolerance and factors such as body weight, metabolism, and overall health can influence how alcohol affects a person. However, even taking these factors into account, it would still be highly unlikely for nonalcoholic beers like O'Doul's to result in intoxication.
In my personal experience, I have enjoyed nonalcoholic beers on various occasions without feeling any effects of intoxication. These beverages can be a great alternative for individuals who want to enjoy the taste and experience of beer without the alcohol content. They are often consumed by those who are designated drivers, pregnant women, or individuals who simply prefer not to consume alcoholic beverages.
To summarize, nonalcoholic beers like O'Doul's will not get you drunk. With an alcohol content of only 0.4% ABV, it is virtually impossible to consume enough of these beverages in a short enough span of time to cause intoxication. So, if you're looking to enjoy the taste of beer without the alcohol, nonalcoholic options are a great choice.