dOse-speCIfIC effeCTs Of alCOhOl
*
BAC Dose-Specific Effects
1
0.02-0.03%
Slight euphoria. Loss of shyness.
Depressant effects are not apparent.
Impairment possible in some individuals.
0.04-0.06%
Feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower
inhibitions and sensation of warmth.
Euphoria. Some minor impairment of
reasoning and memory. Lowering of
caution. Driving skills may be impaired
at this level of intoxication.
0.07-0.09%
Slight impairment of balance, speech,
vision, reaction time, and hearing.
Euphoria. Judgment and self-control are
reduced. Caution, reason and memory
are impaired. Driving skills are always
impaired at this level of intoxication
and higher.
0.10-0.12%
Significant impairment of motor
coordination and loss of good judgment.
Speech may be slurred. Balance, vision,
reaction time and hearing will be
impaired. Euphoria.
BAC Dose-Specific Effects
1
0.13-
0.15%
Gross motor impairment and lack
of physical control. Blurred vision
and major loss of balance. Euphoria
is reduced and dysphoria (anxiety,
restlessness) is beginning to appear.
0.16-
0.20%
Dysphoria predominates. Nausea
may appear.
0.25%
Needs assistance in walking. Total
mental confusion. Dysphoria with
nausea and some vomiting.
0.30%
Loss of consciousness.
0.40%
and up
Onset of coma. Possible death due
to respiratory arrest**.
1
Bailey, William J., Drug Use in American Society, 3rd ed.,
Minneapolis: Burgess, 1993
* The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by
individual variations among users. Some users will be intoxicated
at a much lower BAC than shown above.
**Death can occur at a lower BAC in some individuals.
The generally accepted legal standard for alcohol intoxication in the
United States is 0.08%. However, your driving skills can be impaired
at a level of 0.04% or lower. It is never safe to drink any amount of
alcohol and drive.
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