Effects of Alcohol Intoxication General Effects of Alcohol Intoxication
- General Effect Alcohol is a DOWNER that reduces activity in the central nervous system. The alcohol intoxicated person exhibits loose muscle tone, loss of fine motor coordination, and often has a staggering "drunken" gait.
- Eyes The eyes may appear somewhat "glossy" and pupils may be slow to respond to stimulus. At high doses pupils may become constricted.
- Vital Signs At intoxicating doses, alcohol can decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and respiration rate, and result in decreased reflex responses and slower reaction times.
- Skin Skin may be cool to the touch (but the user may feel warm), profuse sweating may accompany alcohol use.
- Observation Loose muscle tone, loss of fine motor coordination, odor of alcohol on the breath, and a staggering "drunken" gait. See also "dose-specific effects" below.
Dose-Specific Effects of Alcohol Intoxication
(Related to the Blood Alcohol Concentration (B.A.C )
The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users may become intoxicated at a much lower Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level than is shown.
BAC |
Dose-Specific Effects |
0.02-0.03% |
No loss of coordination, slight euphoria and loss of shyness. Depressant effects are not apparent. |
0.04-0.06% |
Feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions, sensation of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment of reasoning and memory, lowering of caution. Driving skills may be impaired at this level of intoxication. |
0.07-0.09% |
Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Euphoria. Judgment and self- control are reduced, and caution, reason and memory are impaired. Driving skills are always impaired at this level of intoxication. |
0.10-0.129% |
Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired. Euphoria. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in all states at this level of intoxication. |
0.13-0.15% |
Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria is beginning to appear. |
0.16-0.24% |
Dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) predominates, nausea may appear. The drinker has the appearance of a "sloppy drunk." |
0.25-0.29% |
Needs assistance in walking; total mental confusion. Dysphoria with nausea and some vomiting. |
0.30-0.39% |
Loss of consciousness. |
0.40% and up |
Onset of coma, possible death due to respiratory arrest**. |
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* The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users will be intoxicated at a much lower BAC than is shown above.
** death can occur at lower BAC in some individuals. |
Adapted from: Bailey, William J., Drug Use in American Society , 3rd ed., Minneapolis: Burgess, 1993.
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