Alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly. Unlike most foods and beverages, it does not need to be digested. Within minutes of being consumed, alcohol reaches the brain and begins to slow down and impair mental and physical bodily functions.

A can of beer, a glass of wine, and a shot of liquor all contain about the same amount of alcohol. Your body is able to process one drink per hour. If you have more than one drink in an hour, you are on your way to becoming intoxicated. To estimate the amount of alcohol in your system, use this formula:

Drinks consumed – hours since the first drink = drinks left in your system.

The only way to sober up is to wait. Food and beverages merely slow the absorption of alcohol. If you plan to ride, limit your intake to one drink per hour and wait at least one hour before riding.