Which of these statements is NOT true about alcohol consumption?

Answer: A — drinker can control how fast his or her body absorbs alcohol.

The statement that a drinker can control how fast his or her body absorbs alcohol is not true. While a person can influence their consumption rate by deciding how much they drink and over what period, the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream is mainly a physiological process that the body handles. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, food intake, and the alcohol content of the beverages consumed all play a significant role in determining how quickly alcohol is absorbed. In contrast, alcohol's effects on judgment and reaction times are well-documented; as blood alcohol concentration increases, these impairments become more pronounced. Additionally, pacing oneself can help to mitigate the effects of alcohol, allowing the body more time to process what has been consumed. Furthermore, research clearly shows that even small amounts of alcohol can reduce one's ability to operate a vehicle safely, indicating that impairment can begin even when blood alcohol levels are low.