6
7
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.
