Alcohol Impairment and Metabolism

What is the minimum blood alcohol level that indicates driving impairment?

What percentage of the U.S. population reported being heavy drinkers in 2004?

How much alcohol can a 150-pound person metabolize in an hour?

What is the blood alcohol level at which someone is considered to be driving under the influence in all U.S. states?

What percentage of Americans aged 12 or older reported being current drinkers of alcohol in 2004?

What is a common effect of alcohol on tasks that require physical coordination or mental agility?

What can occur when someone consumes extremely high doses of alcohol?

What can be a consequence of alcohol consumption on an individual's behavior?

What is a possible outcome of consuming extremely high doses of alcohol?

How can alcohol affect an individual's physical abilities?

Blood Alcohol Level and Impairment

A blood alcohol level of 0.05 percent or higher causes some driving impairment
In all U.S. states, a blood alcohol level of 0.10 percent or higher constitutes driving under the influence

Alcohol Metabolism

Alcohol is metabolized at a relatively constant rate depending on the drinker's body weight
A 150-pound person metabolizes approximately three-quarters to one ounce of alcohol per hour

Prevalence of Alcohol Use in the United States

In 2004, about 50.3 percent of Americans aged 12 or older (an estimated 121 million people) reported being current drinkers of alcohol
Approximately 16.9 million Americans (6.9 percent of the population) reported heavy drinking in 2004

Effects of Alcohol on Cognitive and Motor Functions

Moderate doses of alcohol impair physical coordination and mental agility, affecting tasks like driving a car.
Larger doses alter perception, causing staggering, blurred vision, and symptoms of drunkenness.

Individual Reactions to Alcohol Consumption

People react differently to alcohol, with some becoming emotional or amorous, while others become aggressive and hostile.

Risks of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Extremely high doses, typical during binges, can cause depression of the central nervous system.
This can lead to cessation of bodily functions, including breathing, and potentially result in death.

Learn about the effects of alcohol on driving and how it's metabolized in the body. Understand the blood alcohol levels that constitute driving under the influence.