How is alcohol primarily absorbed into the body?

Alcohol is primarily absorbed into the body through the walls of the stomach. When a person consumes alcoholic beverages, the ethanol (the active ingredient in alcohol) enters the stomach and comes into contact with the gastric mucosa. Some of the alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the stomach lining, which allows it to begin affecting the body relatively quickly, often within minutes.

After passing through the stomach, alcohol continues to be absorbed in the small intestine, where the absorption rate is even higher. However, the initial absorption from the stomach plays a significant role in the overall process. This is why consuming alcohol on an empty stomach can lead to quicker and more intense effects, as there is less food in the digestive tract to slow down the absorption process.

Other methods of absorption, such as through the skin or the respiratory system, are not significant contributors to the way alcohol enters the body from typical consumption methods. These pathways are more relevant for different substances or in specific circumstances, rather than standard ingestion of alcoholic beverages.