10 Questions
What is the minimum blood alcohol level that indicates driving impairment?
0.05 percent
What percentage of the U.S. population reported being heavy drinkers in 2004?
6.9 percent
How much alcohol can a 150-pound person metabolize in an hour?
Three-quarters to one ounce
What is the blood alcohol level at which someone is considered to be driving under the influence in all U.S. states?
0.10 percent
What percentage of Americans aged 12 or older reported being current drinkers of alcohol in 2004?
50.3 percent
What is a common effect of alcohol on tasks that require physical coordination or mental agility?
Reduced performance
What can occur when someone consumes extremely high doses of alcohol?
Depression of the central nervous system
What can be a consequence of alcohol consumption on an individual's behavior?
Increased aggression
What is a possible outcome of consuming extremely high doses of alcohol?
Unconsciousness or even death
How can alcohol affect an individual's physical abilities?
It can cause blurred vision
Study Notes
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.
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