Final answer:
The number of drinks to exceed legal alcohol limits depends on personal factors such as age, sex, health, and metabolism, with a legal BAC limit of 0.08. The rate of metabolism by the liver plays an important role in determining intoxication and recovery times.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of drinks needed to raise your alcohol content above the legal limits depends on various factors such as age, sex, health conditions, and individual metabolism. Alcohol intoxication typically begins after consuming two or more drinks, but this can vary widely between individuals. The legal limit for intoxication is a BAC of 0.08. However, factors such as individual tolerance and response to alcohol can make these estimates just that—estimates. It's important to remember that the liver metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour and that it takes at least five hours for a legally intoxicated person to achieve sobriety.
Understanding the various effects of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on the body and respecting the legal limits is crucial for personal safety and compliance with the law. Organizations like MADD have historically played a significant role in raising awareness and shaping policies around alcohol consumption and driving.