There are many different factors that can affect how alcohol is absorbed and metabolized.
 | Altitude: At high altitudes, alcohol effects are almost two times as strong until the person becomes used to the elevation. |
 | Carbonation: Carbonated (fizzy) drinks increase the rate of alcohol absorption. |
 | Dehydration: Being dehydrated can make your liver less efficient at processing alcohol. |
 | Fatigue: Similar to dehydration, fatigue makes your liver less efficient at processing alcohol. |
 | Food content in the stomach: Having food in your stomach can help slow the absorption of alcohol and rate of intoxication. |
 | Mood: Emotions, such as stress, can change your stomach enzymes and affect how your body processes alcohol. |
 | Sex: Women tend to experience the effects of alcohol quicker and longer than men. |
 | Tolerance: The body's ability to adapt to the effects of alcohol. Some people have a naturally high tolerance while others may develop high tolerance through habitual drinking. |
 | Use of other medication/drugs: Some medications or drugs can have dangerous side effects when combined with alcohol, ranging from discomfort to life-threatening reactions. |
 | Weight: Generally, the less you weigh, the more you may be affected by alcohol. |
For questions, please contact us atalcohol@cdph.ca.gov.
