The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users may become intoxicated at a much lower Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level than is shown.

0.02-0.03 BAC
   • slight euphoria, loss of shyness
   • depressant effects are not apparent
   • mildly relaxed and maybe a little lightheaded

0.04-0.06 BAC
   • euphoria
   • feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions, sensation of warmth
   • minor impairment of reasoning and memory
   • lowering of caution
   • exaggerated behavior
   • intensified emotions

0.07-0.09 BAC
   •.08 is legally impaired and it is illegal to drive at this level
   • slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing
   • euphoria
   • reduced judgment and self-control
   • impaired caution, reason and memory
   • belief that they are functioning better than they really are

0.10-0.125 BAC
   • significant impairment of motor coordination
   • loss of good judgment
   • speech may be slurred
   • impaired balance, vision, reaction time and hearing
   • euphoria

0.13-0.15 BAC
   • gross motor impairment and lack of physical control
   • blurred vision
   • major loss of balance
   • severely impaired judgment and perception
   • reduced euphoria
   • dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) beginning to appear

0.16-0.19 BAC
   • dysphoria predominates
   • nausea may appear
   • drinker has the appearance of a ?sloppy drunk?

0.20 BAC
   • feeling dazed, confused and otherwise disoriented
   • may need help to stand or walk
   • if injured, may not feel the pain
   • nausea and vomiting
   • impaired gag reflex – drinker can choke if they vomit
   • blackouts – drinker may not remember what has happened

0.25 BAC
   • severely impaired mental, physical, and sensory functions
   • increased risk of asphyxiation from choking on vomit
   • increased risk of serious injure by falls or other unintentional accidents

0.30 BAC
   • stupor
   • little comprehension of where they are
   • may pass out suddenly and be difficult to awaken

0.35 BAC
• level of surgical anesthesia
• coma is possible

0.40 BAC +
• onset of coma
• possible death due to respiratory arrest

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Last Updated January 23, 2005