The nutrients protein, carbohydrates, and fat can be stored in our bodies, but alcohol cannot. For this reason, it takes priority over everything else in order to be metabolized; doing so means that all of the other processes that should be taking place are interrupted. Alcohol is absorbed as is, unlike other nutrients that need to be broken down prior to being absorbed.
The liver is the primary site for alcohol metabolism. Alcohol is detoxified and removed from the blood through a process called oxidation. Oxidation prevents the alcohol from accumulating and destroying cells and organs. A healthy liver oxidizes pure ethanol at the rate of about 1/4 to 1/3 of an ounce per hour, which is less than 1 ounce of hard liquor.