In the past, men have traditionally drunk more than women. However, the incidence of drinkers is becoming more even between the sexes. Alcohol use is primarily influenced by attitudes developed during childhood and adolescent years and therefore associated with parental attitudes and behaviors toward drinking in or outside the home, peer influence, societal influences, and family relationships. No digestion is required. The effects of alcohol may appear within 10 minutes after consumption and peak at approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
Alcohol remains in the bloodstream until it is broken down by the liver.
If an individual consumes alcohol at a faster rate than it can be broken down by the liver, the blood alcohol concentration level rises.