Final answer:
Factors such as age, sex, genetics, and body composition affect an individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the likelihood of intoxication from the same amount of alcohol. Metabolism rate, determined by the liver's alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, is fixed and cannot be accelerated. Consuming too much alcohol can result in severe health consequences and impaired mental and physical functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding who is more likely to become more intoxicated when drinking the same amount of alcohol is related to several factors influencing blood alcohol concentration (BAC). These factors include age, sex, pre-existing health conditions, and individual differences in metabolism and body composition. For instance, a decrease in body water percentage and lean muscle mass, or lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver can result in higher BAC, making one more prone to intoxication. Additionally, tolerance, which can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors, significantly affects how different individuals respond to alcohol.
Alcohol intoxication begins typically after two or more drinks, and the BAC levels determine the severity of intoxication. Since the alcohol metabolism rate is essentially fixed by the amount of enzyme present in the liver, one cannot speed up the process to avoid alcohol toxicity. Factors like body size and the amount of alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme significantly contribute to the rate at which a person can metabolize alcohol. The social environment and an individual's personality also play a role in the risk of alcohol intoxication.
It's essential to be mindful of the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption, including impaired coordination, judgement, memory loss, and potentially severe physiological disorders like liver cirrhosis and increased cancer risk. Importantly, acute alcohol intoxication can lead to deaths, whether through accidents or health complications.