** The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users will be intoxicated at a much lower BAC than shown on the previous page. Death can occur at a lower BAC in some individuals. The generally accepted legal standard for alcohol intoxication in the United States is 0.08%. However, your driving skills can be impaired at any level above 0.00% BAC. It is never safe to drink any amount of alcohol and drive.
BAC | Dose-Specific Effects |
|---|---|
| 0.02-0.03% | Slight euphoria. Loss of shyness. Depressant effects are not apparent. Impairment possible in some individuals. |
| 0.04-0.06% | Feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions and sensation of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment of reasoning and memory. Lowering of caution. |
| 0.07-0.09% | Euphoria. Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Judgment and self-control are reduced. Caution, reason and memory are impaired. |
| 0.10-0.12% | Heightened euphoria. Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred. Balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired. |
| 0.13-0.15% | Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) begins to appear |
| 0.16-0.20% | Dysphoria predominates. Nausea may appear |
| 0.25% | Need for assistance in walking. Total mental confusion. Dysphoria with nausea and some vomiting |
| 0.30% | Loss of consciousness. |
| 0.40% + | Onset of coma. Possible death due to respiratory arrest. |