https://alcohol.stanford.edu/alcohol-drug-info/buzz-buzz/what-bac
What Is BAC?
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) refers to the percent of alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol) in a person's blood stream. A BAC of .10% means that an individual's blood supply contains one part alcohol for every 1000 parts blood.
In California, a person is legally intoxicated if he/she has a BAC of .08% or higher.
Factors that determine BAC
- Number of standard drinks (see below)
- Amount of time in which drinks are consumed
- Body weight
- Biological Sex
- Medications
- Food (to a lesser extent)
One standard drink
- One 12 oz. regular beer (4.5% alcohol)
- One 7 oz. malt liquor (7% alcohol)
- One 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alcohol)
- One 1.5 oz. shot of hard liquor (40% alcohol)
- One-third jigger (.5 oz.) of Everclear (95% alcohol)
More than one standard drink
- One 16 oz. cup of beer = 1.4 drinks
- One 40 oz. beer = 3.6 drinks
- One 22 oz. malt liquor = 3 drinks
- One 12 oz. glass of wine = 2.9 drinks
- One 12 oz. margarita = 2–4 drinks, depending on ingredients
- One 12 oz. cup of trashcan punch = 4–10 drinks, depending on ingredients
Effects of alcohol at various Blood Alcohol Concentration levels
BAC Physical and Mental Effects
.01 - .03 - No apparent effects. Slight mood elevation. In California, you will test as legally impaired at .01% BAC if you are under 21. It is illegal to drive or bike at this level.
.04 - .06 - Feeling of relaxation. Sensation of warmth. Minor impairment of reasoning and memory.
.07 - .09 - Mild impairment of balance, speech, vision and control. In California, you will test as legally impaired at .08% BAC if you are over 21. It is illegal to drive or bike at this level.
.10 - .12 - Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of judgment. Speech may be slurred.
.13 - .15 - Gross impairment of motor control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Onset of dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness).
.16 - .20 - Dysphoria(a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life) predominates. Nausea may appear. Drinker has the appearance of “sloppy drunk.”
.25 - .30 - Severe intoxication. Needs assistance walking. Mental confusion. Dysphoria with nausea and some vomiting.
.35 - .40 - Loss of consciousness. Brink of coma.
.40 and up - Onset of coma. Likelihood of death due to respiratory failure.