Which factor can influence how quickly someone becomes intoxicated?

• A. Body composition and metabolic differences.
• B. Eye color.
• C. Birth order.
• D. Favorite food.

Answer: (A)

How quickly someone becomes intoxicated depends on how alcohol is absorbed and processed by the body. Body composition matters because alcohol distributes in body water; people with more body water relative to their size tend to have a more diluted blood alcohol level, influencing how fast effects appear. Metabolic differences, such as how quickly the liver enzymes break down alcohol, also play a big role—some people metabolize alcohol faster, others slower, changing the pace of intoxication. So these inherent differences in body makeup and metabolism can determine how quickly the effects kick in. Eye color, birth order, or a favorite food don’t affect how the body handles alcohol, and while what you eat can influence absorption to some extent, the main factors here are body composition and metabolism.