We’ve all been there. You’re out on the town and one drink turns to two. Two drinks turn into another round with friends. Before you know it, you’ve had way more alcohol than you planned, and you might be looking to sober up. Lowering your blood alcohol levels naturally takes time, but could there be a solution to make the process faster?
Entering the wellness space is Sure Shot—a functional beverage designed to lower blood alcohol concentration (or BAC) in as little as 30 minutes. We asked a doctor and food scientists how effective a product like this can be. Here’s what they had to say.
What is Sure Shot?
Sure Shot is a drink formulated to help people effectively manage alcohol consumption, Jarrett Boon, CEO of Sure Shot, tells Well+Good. “Sure Shot provides a revolutionary solution for those who want to enjoy social drinking while maintaining control over their alcohol intake,” Boon says. “By aiding in the rapid reduction of blood alcohol levels, Sure Shot helps people feel better faster, allowing them to continue their day or night without the lingering effects of alcohol.”
The company does want to make one thing clear: The beverage should absolutely not be used in order to operate a vehicle while under the influence. “We envision Sure Shot to play a crucial role in the larger conversation of alcohol misuse and promoting moderation, encouraging more responsible drinking behaviors,” Boon says.
How exactly does it work?
According to Sure Shot reps, the drink comes in a 4-ounce serving and is made with 28 ingredients—including vitamins, minerals, and nootropics1 (i.e., compounds that claim to enhance brain function). The company claims you’ll feel the effects of the drink (namely, a “sharper mind and body”) in just 30 minutes.
“You’ll start by noticing your awareness, focus, concentration, and mental alertness increase,” David Sandler, COO and co-inventor of Sure Shot, tells Well+Good. He continues: “Sure Shot creates a protective barrier in the gut that helps reduce the continued build of alcohol in the blood. Additionally, Sure Shot helps rapidly reduce alcohol through the metabolism and assists in the reduction of acetaldehyde buildup (the toxins that cause the nasty next-day feeling of a hangover). Lastly, Sure Shot replenishes the body with key electrolytes and vitamins that are typically lost during alcohol consumption.”
A breakdown of the ingredients
We tapped food scientists to explain the function of key ingredients in Sure Shot and how they might contribute to its effectiveness. “Alcohol has several detrimental effects on the body when consumed in excess, including dehydration, mental fatigue, and liver inflammation,” says Makenzie Jackson, MS, a food scientist. “This product is a cocktail of various supplements that seem to address common side effects of drinking alcohol. Overall, the formulation looks like it is designed to target energy levels, support metabolism, support hydration, and decrease inflammation.”
Here’s a bit about each key ingredient and their function:
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps the liver detoxify harmful substances, including alcohol. While it doesn’t directly reduce BAC, it can aid in the metabolism of alcohol and protect liver cells from damage, per Mount Sinai.
- Milk thistle: This herb is known for supporting liver health and may help protect liver cells from damage, especially after alcohol consumption, per the Mayo Clinic.
- Dandelion extract: Dandelion has traditionally been used to support liver and digestive health, according to Mount Sinai. It might aid in detoxifying the body and reducing hangover symptoms.
- Caffeine and theobromine: These stimulants can help with alertness and may fight the sedative effects of alcohol, but they do not reduce BAC. But they can give a temporary sense of being more awake, Jackson says.
Has Sure Shot been tested?
Before hitting the market, Sure Shot spent over a decade in research and development. “The team intently focused on the precise formula, including finding the correct dose and combination of ingredients, that would successfully reduce blood alcohol content and the toxins associated with the metabolism of alcohol,” Sandler says. In order to test its effectiveness, the Sure Shot team led double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials on a variety of participants across different age groups, genders, and weights.
Results showed alcohol was cleared at a 30 to 50 percent faster rate in participants ages 24 through 46 who drank Sure Shot compared to the placebo. Participants also noted that they felt physically better faster. But in order to verify these results, it’s important to have studies published in reputable journals, too, says Joseph Volpicelli, MD, PhD, executive director of the Institute of Addiction Medicine.
