Once swallowed, alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the blood and moves to all parts of the body (if swallowed by pregnant women alcohol can interfere with the unborn baby) The liver breaks down most of the alcohol at an average rate of one standard drink per hour.
A small amount of alcohol leaves the body through the skin, in the breath and in urine.
The amount of alcohol in the blood at any time varies depending on the amount, the strength and how quickly the alcohol is consumed. Individual factors also contribute, such as body type, age, gender and how well the liver can break down alcohol to use for energy.