Key Takeaways
- The liver processes one standard drink per hour - nothing speeds this up
- Empty stomach = faster absorption; food = slower absorption
- BAC of 0.08% is the legal driving limit in all US states
- Carbonated mixers and warm drinks speed absorption
- Women typically have higher BAC than men with the same consumption
1.2 How Alcohol Affects the Body
Understanding how alcohol is absorbed and metabolized helps you recognize intoxication and understand why people become impaired at different rates.
Alcohol Absorption
Where alcohol is absorbed:
- 20% in the stomach
- 80% in the small intestine
Time to feel effects: 15-45 minutes after drinking
Peak BAC: Usually reached 30-90 minutes after last drink
Factors That SPEED UP Absorption
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Empty stomach | No food to slow absorption |
| Carbonated mixers | CO2 increases absorption rate |
| Warm drinks | Absorbed faster than cold |
| Stronger drinks | Higher concentration = faster absorption |
| Drinking quickly | More alcohol enters system at once |
Factors That SLOW DOWN Absorption
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Food in stomach | Especially fatty, protein-rich foods |
| Water consumption | Dilutes alcohol in stomach |
| Drinking slowly | Allows body time to metabolize |
The Liver and Metabolism
The liver processes alcohol at a constant rate:
- Approximately one standard drink per hour
- This rate cannot be sped up by coffee, food, or exercise
- BAC rises if drinking faster than one drink per hour
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
BAC measures the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream.
| BAC Level | Typical Effects |
|---|---|
| 0.02-0.03% | Mild relaxation, slight mood changes |
| 0.04-0.06% | Relaxation, lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment |
| 0.07-0.09% | Impaired balance, speech, reaction time |
| 0.10-0.12% | Significant impairment, slurred speech |
| 0.15%+ | Major impairment, vomiting possible |
| 0.30%+ | Loss of consciousness possible |
| 0.40%+ | Potentially fatal |
Legal driving limit in all US states: 0.08% BAC
Factors Affecting BAC
Physical Factors:
- Body weight - Larger people have lower BAC
- Body fat - Higher fat = higher BAC (fat doesn't absorb alcohol)
- Sex - Women typically have higher BAC than men with same consumption
- Age - Older adults process alcohol more slowly
For the Exam: Remember that the liver processes about one standard drink per hour, and nothing can speed this up.
How quickly does the liver process alcohol?
Which factor will cause alcohol to be absorbed MORE QUICKLY?
What is the legal BAC limit for driving in all US states?
Can drinking coffee or taking a cold shower sober someone up?