How Does the Body Metabolize Alcohol?

t’s a big weekend for the Carolina Panthers. Luckily your boss was able to get some free tickets to both the game and the tailgate. The week has been stressful and it’s time to let loose and have a few beers, but it is important to learn more about the effects that alcohol has on the skin and your body in the long run.

Understanding how the body metabolizes alcohol is important in order to prevent serious alcohol related injury.Alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream through the intestinal tract. It circulates through the blood stream reaching the brain in approximately 30 seconds from the time of ingestion. It continues to effect the cerebral cortex of the brain until the liver can metabolize the alcohol allowing the body to excrete the alcohol.The liver metabolizes approximately 1 oz. of alcohol per hour. When an individual drinks more than an ounce of pure alcohol in one hour the blood alcohol level raises due to the inability of the liver to increase the rate of alcohol metabolism. If the individual continues to drink at a rate of more than on drink per hour they are at risk for alcohol poisoning, organ injury and death.The way that alcohol affects your body is very interesting and important to know, but what is the difference between beer, wine and liquor? What is the difference and how much alcohol does each contain?

  • Beer: The majority of beers have a pure alcohol content of between 4.0% and 7% which make a 12oz cup of beer equal to one drink. This is an important factor to consider when drinking out of plastic cups that typically hold 16 to 24 ounces of fluid.
    For a detailed list of alcohol content in the different types of beers CLICK HERE.

  • Wine: A five ounce glass of wine contains between 8 and 20% of pure alcohol. The alcohol content of individual wines can vary among the same vintage due to differences in the fermentation process. For more information about the alcohol content of specific types of wines CLICK HERE.

  • Liquor: Distilled spirits have a pure alcohol level of between 20% and 50%. A serving of liquor is between1 and 1.5 ounces depending on the liquor.
    Learn more about the types of liquors available and specific alcohol contents by CLICKING HERE.

Understanding the amount of pure alcohol in beverages allows each of us to have better control over our alcohol consumption and empowers us to drink responsibly. Consuming alcohol is something that should always be done with caution. The goal of The Behavioral Health Intervention Center is to give our clients the tools to make smart decisions. Our dedicated staff is focused on ensuring that all of our clients are not treated as another number, but as people. We are always here to help and support you through hands on classes and informative blogs. Feel free to contact us.

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