ServSafe Alcohol Practice Exam

At what rate can the liver break down alcohol?

1. 1 drink per hour

2. 2 drinks per hour

3. 3 drinks per hour

4. 4 drinks per hour

The correct answer is: 1 drink per hour

The liver processes alcohol at a relatively consistent rate, which is generally recognized as about one standard drink per hour. This rate can vary among individuals due to factors such as body weight, gender, age, and overall health, but on average, the liver metabolizes alcohol at this rate. A standard drink is typically defined as containing roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which equates to about 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. Understanding this rate is crucial for responsible alcohol service and consumption, as it helps individuals gauge their level of intoxication and make informed decisions about drinking and driving or other activities that require sobriety. The other options suggest that the liver can process alcohol at a faster rate, which does not align with the established understanding of alcohol metabolism. It’s important to remember that while some might feel that they can consume more than one drink per hour without noticeable impairment, this does not reflect the biological limitations of liver function in processing alcohol.