Alcohol metabolism and why a few drinks linger longer than you think Your body processes >90% of ethanol in the liver, but the path creates toxic byproducts and drains key cofactors. 1 S Acetyl Glutathione 60 C Glutathione Supplement Xymogen Science Explained intoxdetox Your liver needs time to turn ethanol into acetate. If you drink too fast, that "hangover chemical" (acetaldehyde) piles up and ruins the fun. Drink slow and give your enzymes a break.