What is the process called by which the body breaks down alcohol for elimination?

The process by which the body breaks down alcohol for elimination is known as metabolism. This term specifically refers to the chemical processes that occur within the body to transform substances, such as alcohol, into different compounds that can be more easily eliminated.

When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and then transported to various organs, particularly the liver, where it is metabolized primarily by enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase. This metabolic process converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is then further broken down into acetic acid and ultimately into water and carbon dioxide for elimination from the body.

Understanding metabolism is crucial in the context of DUI and traffic stops because it directly relates to how long alcohol remains in a person's system and how it affects their ability to drive. This knowledge can help inform conclusions about a person’s level of impairment at the time of a traffic stop.

The other options, such as elimination, distribution, and absorption, define different aspects of alcohol’s journey through the body, but they do not specifically refer to the chemical breakdown process involved in the detoxification of alcohol.