True or false: Until alcohol has been metabolized, it is distributed throughout the body, affecting the brain and other tissues.

The statement is true. When alcohol is consumed, it enters the bloodstream and is immediately distributed throughout the body, including the brain and various tissues. This distribution occurs because alcohol is water-soluble and can easily pass through cell membranes. Once in the bloodstream, it can affect multiple systems in the body, with significant effects on the brain, where it acts as a central nervous system depressant.

The key point is that until alcohol is metabolized by the liver and eliminated from the body, its presence continues to affect individuals. This can lead to impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and a range of other cognitive and physical impairments. Understanding how alcohol affects the body is crucial for recognizing its potential dangers, particularly in the context of driving and other activities that require full cognitive functioning.