| BAC |
#
Drinks
Approx. |
Effects |
| .02
- .06 |
1
to 2.5 |
Loss of Inhibitions - The
most obvious effects of alcohol result from depression of the
nervous system. Even the initial stimulant effect actually results
from depression of centres in the brain that inhibit our actions
and restrain our behaviour. After one drink, most people will
feel more relaxed and possibly "loosened up" a little.
Drinking more can make a person feel gregarious and possibly
more self-confident, but some people will become hostile, depressed,
anxious and withdrawn. |
| .07
to 0.1 |
3-4 |
Loss of Judgment - Even below
the legal limit for driving (.08), coordination and perception
are affected, whereby, thinking, judgment, and the ability to
estimate distances can be impaired and reaction times increased.
Studies have shown that drivers with a BAC of 0.10 are seven
times more likely to cause a motor vehicle accident. |
| 0.1
to 0.15 |
5-7 |
Impaired Reactions - As alcohol
reaches the midsection of your brain, reflexes further diminish
and significantly more impairment occurs. Loss of peripheral
vision, impaired hearing, problems breathing, dizziness, and
confusion, may be experienced. |
| 0.15
to 0.4 |
8-10 |
Impaired Coordination - The
non-tolerant person is very intoxicated with pronounced motor
impairment. Difficulty standing, walking, talking, decreased
pain and sensation, erratic emotions, stupor, memory blackouts,
semi/total loss of consciousness and coma may be experienced. |
| 0.4
and up |
10
+ |
Loss of vital functions -
BAC's above 0.4 to 0.6 are usually fatal, typically from respiratory
depression. Deaths from overdose usually result from excessive
alcohol consumption. This kind of consumption has been associated
with college parties and drinking games. See Alcohol
Poisoning. |
Other
Short-Term Effects - Alcohol increases stomach
secretions which could cause heartburn. Kidneys increase urinary
output, contributing to dehydration and a hangover. Blood vessels
dilate in the skin causing loss of body heat despite a feeling
of warmth, which could be dangerous in situations of extreme
cold. In a study involving non-alcoholic volunteers, acute intake
of even small amounts of alcohol (1-2 oz.) led to accumulations
of fat in liver cells. Alcohol may increase sexual desire but
decreases sexual performance by inhibiting the physical responses
of the sexual organs.
|
|
