| Approximate Number of Drinks | Blood Alcohol Concentration | Typical Appearance of Individuals Consuming Alcohol*
|
|---|
| 1-2 | less than 0.05 | Virtually Sober; Only slight changes
noticeable below 0.04%
|
| 2-5 | 0.03-0.12 | Feeling Good; Decreased Inhibitions,
Some loss of judgment, Mild impairment
|
| 4-10 | 0.09-0.25 | Noticeably Impaired; "Feeling No Pain",
Muscular Incoordination, Increased
Reaction Time, Diminished Comprehension
|
| 7-12 | 0.18-0.30 | Confused, Disoriented, Uncoordinated,
Staggering, Slurred Speech
|
| 10-16 | 0.27- 0.40 | Stuporous; Not Moving Much, Apathetic,
Difficult to Stand; Falling Asleep
|
| 14+ | 0.35+ | Unconscious, Coma, Absent Reflexes,
Approaching Respiratory Depression,
Circulatory Collapse and Death
|
*The appearance and onset of intoxication is quite variable among individuals and is dependent not only on the rate and amount of alcohol consumed, but also on the setting in which it is used, and the expectation of the person. These descriptions are a general guideline only and certainly do not describe everyone's response to alcohol all of the time.