How Alcohol Metabolism Works
Your liver metabolizes alcohol at a relatively constant rate of approximately 0.015% BAC per hour. This rate cannot be significantly changed by coffee, water, exercise, or cold showers — only time reduces your BAC.
US vs EU Standard Drinks
A US standard drink contains 14g of pure alcohol: a 12 oz (355ml) beer at 5%, a 5 oz (148ml) glass of wine at 12%, or a 1.5 oz (44ml) shot of spirits at 40%.
An EU standard drink (or unit) varies by country but typically contains 10-12g: a 330ml beer at 5%, a 125ml glass of wine at 12%, or a 25ml measure of spirits at 40%. UK units contain 8g of alcohol.
The Widmark Formula
BAC% = (Alcohol in grams) / (Weight in grams × r) × 100
Where r is approximately 0.68 for males and 0.55 for females.
Factors Affecting Metabolism
- Sex: Females have less body water, resulting in higher peak BAC
- Age: Body water and liver function decrease with age
- Weight: Larger individuals dilute alcohol across more body mass
- Food: Eating before drinking slows absorption
- Genetics: Liver enzyme variations affect rates ±30%