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Alcohol affects people differently

On Behalf of | May 23, 2019 | OVI |

There are many factors that affect how someone absorbs alcohol, and it is important to understand what they are to avoid getting an OVI in Ohio. Even drinkers of the same size and gender can metabolize alcohol differently, which can make it difficult to determine when someone has had too much to drink to get behind the wheel.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the proportion of fat and water in the body is a large determinant of how alcohol affects each individual. In general, women have higher levels of body fat, so when given the same amount of alcohol as a male counterpart, their blood alcohol levels will be higher. When there is food in the stomach, this helps slow the absorption of alcohol. It is imperative to drink while eating or after a meal to keep alcohol levels lower. 

If you consume an amount of alcohol at one time as opposed to drinking in smaller doses, this speeds up absorption. According to Stanford’s Office of Alcohol Policy and Education, chugging a drink or taking shots is worse than sipping a drink over a period of time. Someone who weighs more will also metabolize alcohol slower than someone who does not weigh as much.

Health issues can play a part in how alcohol affects someone’s sobriety. Some people lack the enzymes necessary for proper alcohol processing, and some drinkers are more genetically predisposed to become addicted. Certain medications can also be detrimental when taken with alcohol. Some, like Tylenol, can lead to liver problems with long-term use, and other meds can have even fatal interactions. When in doubt, you should not drink if you take prescription or over-the-counter medication. 

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