Impacts on the Body 6

Absorption Rate and Factors

Now that you have an understanding of how and why alcohol affects the body, the factors that influence the absorption process and the level of intoxication can be examined in more detail. 

Amount & Type of Alcohol

The amount of alcohol contained in a drink differs according to type. Beer has the lowest alcohol content at about 5%.  Wine weighs in at around 8-10%, and hard liquor goes up from there.  The amount of alcohol consumed, however, is generally the same due to portion size.  One standard serving of beer is 12 ounces, a regular glass of wine is 5 ounces, and a shot of hard liquor is 1 ounce.