at the alcohol content of different types of beer, wine, and distilled spirits can vary substantially.
Men generally can drink more alcohol than women of the same size before they show its effects. This is because women have less body water than men of similar body weight. Because alcohol mixes with water, women tend to have a higher concentration of alcohol than men of the same weight after drinking the same amount of alcohol. Women also have lower levels of one of the enzymes that metabolizes alcohol, so the alcohol they drink stays in their bodies for a longer time. Therefore, with the same amount of consumption, a woman's brain and other organs are exposed to more alcohol and more of its toxic byproducts.
As people get older, they usually have a higher fat-to-muscle ratio and less body water, so with the same amount of intake they may have a higher concentration of alcohol in the blood than younger people of the same weight. In addition, many older people take prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that may interact with alcohol. The slower reaction times and problems with seeing and hearing put older people who are intoxicated at higher risk for falls and traffic accidents. People older than 65 should limit themselves to one drink a day.
What's in the drink
The water in beer or wine provides an extra buffer for the alcohol over a straight shot of liquor. That's why people tend to feel the effects of beer or wine a little less.
But the carbon dioxide in champagne or the soda in a mixed drink increases the rate of alcohol absorption, causing a more rapid effect.
How much food is in your stomach
How quickly alcohol is absorbed depends on how quickly the stomach empties its contents into the intestines. Foods high in fat take longer to leave the stomach. If you eat a meal, especially one containing fat, before drinking, alcohol absorption will be considerably slower than drinking on an empty stomach.
The medications you take
Alcohol can influence the effectiveness of medications, including sleeping pills, blood thinners, and some antidepressant and antianxiety drugs, according to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. Some medications contain high levels of alcohol. Because drinking alcohol with some medications can increase your alcohol intoxication, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medications you take can have this effect.
Your physical and emotional health
People who are fatigued or highly stressed often have a stronger reaction to moderate amounts of alcohol.
Alcohol and weight management
Alcohol contains significant calories, and drinking also may lead you to eat or overeat, especially when you are in a social setting, the NIAAA says.