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Alcohol affects people in various ways. While some who consume alcohol may indicate they have a high tolerance for it, such individuals are not immune to the effects of alcohol. Alcohol contributes to physical and mental impairment regardless of a person's tolerance, and research has shown that certain symptoms of impairment can start to manifest when blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches certain levels. Understanding BAC and the effects that alcohol can have may discourage overconsumption.
What is BAC?
BAC indicates the amount of alcohol a person has in their blood. The Cleveland Clinic notes that alcohol is rapidly absorbed in the stomach and the intestines before it enters the bloodstream. The liver then metabolizes the alcohol to filter it out of the blood. However, when people consume alcohol faster than the liver can process it, their BAC increases. That's when side effects like intoxication can occur.
Does alcohol affect people differently?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that alcohol metabolism is controlled by genetic factors, including variations in the enzymes that break down alcohol. So the speed at which someone becomes intoxicated can be much quicker for some people than others.
How do different levels of BAC affect the body?
The Cleveland Clinic notes that alcohol is a depressant, which is always good to keep in mind when consuming it. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, depressants slow down the brain and body, which can lower energy levels, slow breathing, slow heart rate, and lower body temperature. The ADF also notes that depressants slow down a person's ability to respond to unexpected situations, which is one reason why drinking and driving is so dangerous. Drivers contend with an array of unexpected situations whenever they get behind the wheel, and a slowed response to such scenarios can be fatal for drivers, their passengers and others sharing the road.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that different BAC levels produce different side effects. But even a relatively low BAC can have an adverse physical and mental effect.
鈥� .02: At this level, people consuming alcohol may experience a change in mood and feel more relaxed. However, a slight loss in judgment also is typical with a BAC at .02.
鈥� .05: Lowered inhibitions and alertness and impaired judgment are possible when BAC reaches .05.
鈥� .08: This is the legal driving limit in all 50 states and Canada. Driving with a BAC level of .08 will merit an arrest in both the United States and Canada. At this level, a person may have reduced muscle coordination, struggle to identify dangerous situations and suffer from impaired judgment and reasoning.
鈥� .10: A BAC of .10 is considered severely impaired. Slower reaction time, slurred speech and slowed thinking is possible when BAC reaches .10.
While it's true that alcohol affects some people differently than others, all people who plan to consume alcohol are urged to do so responsibly and avoid driving if they plan to drink.