Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

Are You Surprised by Any of These Facts About Alcohol and California DUIs?It wasn't long ago that DUI arrests were uncommon. This was partly due to the fact that people didn't know nearly as much as we do now about how alcohol affects the human body. Continue reading to uncover five things you probably didn't know. There is only one thing you need to know if you are facing DUI charges: you need the appropriate attorney. For a free legal consultation, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 now.

Alcohol enters your bloodstream immediately

You will physically have alcohol in your veins if you drink any amount of alcohol, but especially significant amounts. Only about 20% of what you drink will be digested by your body. Rather, ethanol molecules pass past the stomach lining and enter the bloodstream. This is how it gets you drunk in the first place.

Chugging can be extremely hazardous

When you consume a large amount of alcohol at once, your bloodstream can soon become saturated. Consider it similar to pouring water in a gas tank. Your ability to think is greatly hampered, and you're more prone to make risky decisions. Your heartbeat may also be affected. Your heart might stop if you gulp long enough. Your body has more time to process the alcohol if you drink sparingly.

Your breath smells like alcohol

Many people believe that swallowing a breath mint is enough to deceive a breathalyzer. This is not correct. The truth is that the scent of alcohol comes from your lungs, rather than your lips or throat. This is because when alcohol enters your bloodstream, it goes through your lungs, where part of the molecules evaporate and end up in the air you exhale. It's not about how you smell; it's about what's on your breath.

It's all about your stature

Your weight, not your height, determines how much you can drink before being inebriated. The less alcohol your body is capable of processing, the smaller you are. Other things are also important. Ethnicity, for example, can make a difference. Many Asians have a gene that leads them to have an unfavorable reaction shortly after consuming alcohol, and Native Americans have less enzymes that metabolize alcohol. The bodily makeup of women makes them more prone to intoxication.

Alcohol and prescription medications may be illegal

If you're taking a medication that indicates you shouldn't take it with alcohol, you should heed that advice. Failure to do so may have a detrimental impact on the liver, which could result in death.

If you have been charged with an alcohol or drug-related offense, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation as soon as possible.