BAC Dose-Specific Effects2
0.020-0.039%3Generally no loss of coordination. Slight euphoria or loss of shyness.
Depressant effects are not apparent.
0.040-0.06% General feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions, and
sensation of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment of
reasoning and memory. Lowering of caution. Driving skills may be
impaired.
0.070-0.09% Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and
hearing. Euphoria. Judgment and self-control are reduced. Caution,
reason and memory are impaired. Driving skills are always impaired.
0.100-0.129% Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good
judgment. Speech may be slurred. Balance, vision, reaction time and
hearing will be impaired. Euphoria.
0.130-0.159% Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred
vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria reduced and dysphoria
begins to appear.
0.160-0.249% Dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) predominates. Nausea may
appear. The drinker has the appearance of a “sloppy drunk.”
0.250%-0.299% Needs assistance in walking. Total mental confusion. Dysphoria with
nausea and some vomiting.
0.300%-0.399% Loss of consciousness.
0.400% + Onset of coma, possible death due to respiratory arrest.4
2 Bailey, William J., Drug Use in American Society, 3rd ed., Minneapolis: Burgess, 1993.
3Some individuals may experience impairment at BAC levels at .03% or even lower.
4Death can occur at a lower BAC level in some individuals.
