Effects of Alcohol at Specific BAC Levels
Effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations. Some people may become intoxicated at a much lower BAC level than indicated.
0.02 — 0.03 BAC: No loss of coordination, slight
euphoria and loss of shyness. Depressant effects are not apparent.
Mildly relaxed and maybe a little lightheaded.
0.04 — 0.06 BAC: Feeling of well-being,
relaxation, lower inhibitions, sensation of warmth. Euphoria. Some
minor impairment of reasoning and memory, lowering of caution. Your
behavior may become exaggerated and emotions intensified (Good emotions
are better, bad emotions are worse)
0.07 — 0.09 BAC: Slight impairment of
balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Euphoria. Judgment
and self-control are reduced, and caution, reason and memory are
impaired (in some* states .08 is legally impaired and it is illegal to
drive at this level). You will probably believe that you are
functioning better than you really are. ( * —As of July, 2004 ALL
states had passed .08 BAC Per Se Laws. The final one takes effect in
August of 2005.)
0.10 — 0.125 BAC: impairment of motor
coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance,
vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired. Euphoria. It is
illegal to operate a motor vehicle at this level of intoxication in all
states.
0.13 — 0.15 BAC: Gross motor impairment
and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance.
Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria* is beginning to appear. Judgment and
perception are severely impaired.
( * —Dysphoria: An emotional state of anxiety, depression, or
unease.)
0.16 — 0.19 BAC: Dysphoria predominates,
nausea may appear. The drinker has the appearance of a "sloppy
drunk."
0.20 BAC: Feeling dazed/confused or
otherwise disoriented. May need help to stand/walk. If you injure
yourself you may not feel the pain. Some people have nausea and
vomiting at this level. The gag reflex is impaired and you can choke if
you do vomit. Blackouts are likely at this level so you may not
remember what has happened.
0.25 BAC: All mental, physical and
sensory functions are severely impaired. Increased risk of asphyxiation
from choking on vomit and of seriously injuring yourself by falls or
other accidents.
0.30 BAC: STUPOR. You have little comprehension
of where you are. You may pass out suddenly and be difficult to
awaken.
0.35 BAC: Coma is possible. This is the level
of surgical anesthesia.
0.40 BAC and up: Onset of coma, and possible death
due to respiratory arrest.
Bruce Edge, Tulsa DUI Lawyer
Board Certified in DUI Defense under ABA guidelines
918-582-6333
1-877-DUI-EDGE
Bruce@EdgeLawFirm.com
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