Alcohol is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream through the walls of the stomach and small intestine. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol is broken down by the liver. When there is too much for the liver to break down, the extra alcohol stays in the bloodstream. Some is lost in the urine and some is exhaled when the blood passes through the lungs. This is why alcohol can be smelled on the breath.
Women break down alcohol at a slower rate than men.
One drink for a woman equals two for men. As we age, it takes the liver longer to process alcohol. Physical and mental impairment is faster. Alcohol can cause weight gain. If the calories in alcohol aren't needed as an instant energy source, they are changed to fat and stored.