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 Frontiers Gene specific modifications unravel ethanol and acetaldehyde actions 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. Vegan S Acetyl L Glutathione, 100 mg, 60 Tablets