This article describes the pathways and factors that modulate blood alcohol levels and metabolism and describes how the body disposes of alcohol. The various factors that play a role in the distribution of alcohol in the body, influence the absorption of alcohol, and contribute to first-pass metabolism of alcohol are described. Most alcohol is oxidized in the liver, and general principles and overall mechanisms for alcohol oxidation are summarized. The kinetics of alcohol elimination in-vivo and the various genetic and environmental factors that can modify the rate of alcohol metabolism are discussed.
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