Effects of BAC on Thinking, Feeling, and Behavior

Here you can see how alcohol affects a person at different BAC levels:

• 0.02 The level needed to violate the Zero Tolerance law for people under 21 who are driving. Few obvious effects; slight intensification of mood.
• 0.04 - 0.06 The buzz stage. Feeling of warmth, relaxation, mild sedation; exaggeration of emotion and behavior; slight decrease in reaction time and in fine-muscle coordination; some impaired judgment about continued drinking.
• 0.07 - 0.09 More noticeable speech impairment and disturbance of balance; impaired motor coordination, hearing and vision; feeling of elation or depression; increased confidence; may not recognize impairment.
• 0.08 Legal definition of intoxication in Nebraska.
• 0.10 - 0.12 Coordination and balance becoming difficult; distinct impairment of mental faculties and judgment.
• 0.14 - 0.15 Major impairment of mental and physical control; slurred speech, blurred vision and lack of motor skills; risk for vomiting and blackouts.
• 0.20 Loss of motor control; needs assistance moving about; mental confusion; may need medical assistance.
• 0.30 Severe intoxication; minimum conscious control of mind and body; needs medical attention.
• 0.30 - 0.60 This range of BAC has been found in people who have died of acute alcohol poisoning.
• 0.40 Unconsciousness; coma; high risk of death, needs immediate hospitalization.