Can alcohol affect a lie detector test to false outcome?

Yes, alcohol can affect the results of a lie detector test, also known as a polygraph. Alcohol consumption may impair cognitive functions and alter physiological responses, such as heart rate and breathing patterns, which the polygraph measures. This can lead to false outcomes, either by causing a person to appear deceptive when they are not or masking signs of deception. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid alcohol before undergoing a polygraph examination.