The alcohol concentration in the breath is related to that in
the blood, and because of this, an individual’s BAC can be
determined by measuring alcohol in the breath. The ratio of
breath alcohol to blood alcohol is generally estimated to be
2,100:1. Therefore, 2,100 milliliters (ml) of alveolar air will
contain approximately the same amount of alcohol as 1 ml
of blood.
ALCOHOL IS A DRUG
Alcohol is the chemical (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) resulting
from the fermentation of grapes or grain. Alcohol is
absorbed directly into your bloodstream. From your
bloodstream, the fluids in your body tissues absorb the
alcohol. Your brain is made up of a large concentration of
fluids and will absorb a large amount of any alcohol you
drink. Your liver eliminates the absorbed alcohol at its own
rate of time and nothing you eat or drink can speed up
the process. Your liver does this by oxidizing the alcohol
(converting it into water and carbon dioxide). Coffee, food or
any other “cure” will not sober you up; only time will do that.
HOW DOES ALCOHOL AFFECT MY BODY?
Alcohol is a depressant. It has a relaxing effect on the
muscles in your body. The muscles of your eyes relax and
lose focus. Your eyesight will become fuzzy and you may
experience double vision. Brain activity is slowed. Your
judgment, reflexes, and coordination are all negatively
affected.
Some vision impairments that occur when you have been
drinking include:
• Narrowing of your field of vision
• Reduction in your depth perception
• Decreased ability to see in darkness
• Increased sensitivity to glare and a longer time for your
eyes to r
eadjust from the glare
Some mental impairment can occur when you have been
drinking, including:
• Reduced awar
eness of danger
• Becoming overly confident and r
eckless
• Dif
ficulty in making decisions
• Reduction in balance
• Slowed r
eflexes
• Impair
ed judgment
HOW DOES ALCOHOL AFFECT MY DRIVING?
We can’t emphasize enough how dangerous it is for you
to drink and drive. Your vision and your brain are the most
important factors in driving safely. If you jeopardize either by
drinking, and then you drive, you are likely to be involved in a
serious or fatal collision.
From California Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.dmv.ca.gov)
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