Which statement best describes how BAC changes after drinking stops?

• A. It will fall gradually
• B. It will drop immediately to zero
• C. It will rise for a while before falling
• D. It will remain unchanged

Answer: (A)

BAC falls gradually after you stop drinking because the body keeps metabolizing alcohol at a fairly steady rate, mainly in the liver. You don’t become sober immediately—the liver processes alcohol slowly, typically around 0.015% BAC per hour (values vary by person). So even with no more drinks, it takes hours for BAC to drop to zero. Factors like body weight, sex, whether you ate, and liver health can change this rate. In short, elimination is a gradual process, not an instant change, and BAC won’t rise or stay the same once you’ve stopped drinking.