What is one factor that can influence how quickly a person becomes intoxicated?

The person's weight is a significant factor that influences how quickly a person becomes intoxicated due to the way alcohol is distributed and metabolized in the body. Alcohol is a substance that affects individuals based on their body's composition, particularly the amount of water and fat. Generally, individuals with a higher body weight may have a larger volume of water, allowing for more dilution of alcohol, which can lead to a slower increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In contrast, those with lower body weight typically have less body water, resulting in a quicker rise in BAC when consuming the same amount of alcohol, potentially leading to quicker intoxication.

Other factors like social status, the type of alcohol consumed, and the time of day can influence drinking behavior and experiences but are not as direct or quantifiable in terms of their effect on the physiological processes associated with alcohol absorption and intoxication levels. Therefore, weight is a fundamental determinant in how alcohol affects an individual, making it the key factor in this context.