Final answer:
Alcohol is measurable in the bloodstream almost immediately after drinking, with intoxication legally defined at a BAC of over 0.025-0.080%. The body metabolizes alcohol at a rate of 15 mg/dL per hour, and individual rates can vary. A Breathalyzer can be used to measure BAC, and most alcohol is metabolized by the liver.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcohol can be measurable in one's blood almost immediately after consumption. Once ingested, alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The legal definition of alcohol intoxication involves a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of more than 0.025-0.080%. Alcohol metabolism rate varies by individual factors, but on average, the human body breaks down alcohol at a rate of about 15 mg/dL per hour. It takes roughly 2.5 hours for an average 70 kg person to oxidize the alcohol from a single standard drink.
Risk factors for alcohol intoxication include environments conducive to heavy drinking and impulsive personality traits. The immediate effect of alcohol varies depending on one's BAC, age, sex, and health conditions. Because of the potential dangers, it is advised that if alcohol is consumed, it should be done so in moderation and only by adults of legal drinking age. For men, that's up to two drinks per day, and for women, it's up to one.
A Breathalyzer device can be used to measure the ethanol content in a person's breath, which reflects their blood alcohol level. The majority of alcohol, about 85% - 98%, is metabolized by the liver through systematical processes, the first of which converts ethanol to acetaldehyde.