What is the primary factor that determines intoxication when consuming alcohol?

The concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream is the primary factor that determines intoxication when consuming alcohol. This concentration, often measured by blood alcohol concentration (BAC), directly affects how alcohol impacts the central nervous system, influencing a person's level of impairment.

As the body metabolizes alcohol, it enters the bloodstream and affects brain function and motor skills. Higher concentrations in the bloodstream lead to greater impairment and increased intoxication. Factors such as body weight, genetics, and tolerance levels can also play a role in how an individual experiences alcohol's effects, but ultimately, it is the concentration of alcohol that is critical in defining the level of intoxication.

While the type of alcohol consumed, the speed of consumption, and the amount of food in the stomach can influence how quickly alcohol is absorbed or how it feels to the individual, they do not change the fundamental relationship between alcohol concentration in the bloodstream and levels of intoxication.