How does the body process alcohol? Does the time between a traffic stop and a chemical test matter? How is it possible for a driver to fail a breathalyzer test the morning after drinking?
If you are asking yourself these questions, here is what to know about the body metabolizing alcohol:
Alcohol metabolism
Typically, alcohol reaches peak levels in the blood 30 to 90 minutes after drinking, depending on stomach contents. Then the body starts metabolizing it.
The liver breaks down over 90% to 98% of alcohol consumed in a two-step chemical process. First, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol (ethanol) into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde.
A second enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) converts acetaldehyde into acetate, a harmless compound. Acetate is released into the bloodstream and further broken down into carbon dioxide and water, which are removed from the body.
About 2% to 10% of alcohol consumed remains unchanged. It’s eliminated through breath, urine, sweat and saliva.
The liver does this process at a steady rate of about one standard drink per hour. Thus, the popular quick-fix methods, such as drinking coffee/ energy drinks, taking a cold shower, eating food, exercising or rolling down the car windows, do not work.
Only time allows the liver to remove alcohol from the body. While a quick-fix method can make a driver feel more alert or awake, they can still fail a breathalyzer test.
Moreover, considering how alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, a driver’s BAC level might be under the legal limit when driving, but be above the legal limit by the time a chemical test is administered at the police station.
Understanding alcohol metabolism when facing a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge is crucial. If you believe your BAC readings were significantly higher than the alcohol consumed, obtain more information to avoid facing harsher penalties.