Final answer:
Blood alcohol content (BAC) can continue to rise after drinking ceases due to ongoing absorption, and the liver metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate. It generally takes at least five hours for a legally intoxicated person to reach sobriety. BAC effects can vary based on individual characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the physiological effects of alcohol consumption and specifically how the blood alcohol content (BAC) changes after a person stops drinking or is unconscious. Contrary to the belief that BAC stabilizes or decreases immediately after alcohol consumption ceases, it can actually continue to rise. This is because alcohol consumed shortly before stopping or reaching unconsciousness may not have been fully absorbed into the bloodstream. The absorption process can continue, leading to an increase in BAC. Additionally, the liver metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate, approximately 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour, which doesn't change with the amount consumed but depends on factors such as liver enzymes and body size.
It is a misconception that actions like drinking coffee or taking a shower can accelerate the reduction of BAC. The legal intoxication limit is a BAC of 0.08%, and achieving sobriety from a legally intoxicated state usually takes at least five hours, given the body's metabolism rate. Also, factors such as age, sex, health condition, and individual tolerance can influence the effects of alcohol and BAC levels.