Is it true that eating before drinking an alcoholic beverage slows down but does not prevent the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream?

Yes, before you drink you should eat carbohydrates. They slow down the absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream. You could also eat other foods, but carbs are definitely your best choice. A past experience taught me never to drink on an empty stomach. I hadn't eaten all day and drank a 40oz. Not knowing that this was a bad idea, about thirty minutes later it all came back up. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach if possible.