1.7

A person’s blood alcohol concentration changes as the person consumes more alcohol.
It starts out with some effects, but can quickly creep up on a drinker to the point they find themselves experiencing significant effects.
With a BAC level of .01 to.03 percent, a person may experience no apparent effects.
As the BAC progresses to the higher limit, they might experience slight mood elevation.
In California, a person under 21 who has a BAC level of .01 percent is considered legally impaired.
It is, therefore, illegal for the minor to drive at this level.
Between .04 and .06 percent, a person will begin feeling relaxed, with a sensation of warmth.
Although people start to feel warmer when they drink, in reality, alcohol is one of the quickest cooling agents to the body.
The reason they are feeling warmer is because alcohol causes the small blood vessels on the surface of the skin to dilate.
This results in the loss of body heat, which makes the drinker feel like they are getting warmer, when in fact, the body is chilling.
At these levels, drinkers will also begin to experience minor impairment to their reasoning and memory.
Between .07 and .09 percent, a person can be feeling mild impairment to their balance, speech, vision, and control.
Once they reach .08 percent, they are considered legally impaired which means it is illegal for them to drive a vehicle in California.
Between .10 and .12, a person will experience significant impairment to motor coordination and loss of judgment.
It is at these levels that their speech may be slurred.
Between .13 and .15, gross impairment of motor control occurs.
The person is likely to experience blurred vision, major loss of balance, and dysphoria, which is anxiety and restlessness.
Between .16 and 20, a person is experiencing significant dysphoria.
They may feel nausea, and have the appearance of the “sloppy drunk.”
Between .25 and .30, severe intoxication results.
The person will need assistance walking. They will experience mental confusion, nausea and some vomiting.
Between .35 and .40, the person will lose consciousness and be on the brink of a coma.
At .40 and above, the person will likely be in a coma, and die due to respiratory failure.