How does alcohol affect a person when consumed on an empty stomach?

When alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach, it is absorbed into the bloodstream much more quickly than if there is food in the stomach. This is due to the fact that food slows down the absorption process as it requires time for the stomach to digest. Without food, alcohol can enter the bloodstream within minutes, leading to a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This quick rise can result in an accelerated impairment of judgment, coordination, and reflexes, increasing the likelihood of accidents or dangerous situations.

The other options do not accurately reflect the physiological effects of alcohol. The notion that alcohol has no effect regardless of food intake ignores the critical impact that food has on alcohol absorption. Suggesting that only those who consume more than two drinks are affected does not account for individual variations in tolerance and the effects of even small amounts of alcohol. Lastly, claiming that alcohol is less hazardous when consumed after meals overlooks the protective effect of food on alcohol absorption, which can mitigate some immediate risks.