Welcome to Nowhere: Alcohol

Euphoria (BAC = 0.03 to 0.12%).

Subjects may experience an overall improvement in mood and possible euphoria.
They may become more self-confident or daring; they may become more friendly or talkative, and/or social.
Their attention span shortens. They may look flushed.
Their judgment is not as good—they may express the first thought or action that comes to mind, rather than an appropriate comment for the given situation. See: in vino veritas
They have trouble with fine movements, such as writing or signing their name.

Lethargy (BAC = 0.09 to 0.25%)

Subjects may become sleepy.
They have trouble understanding or remembering things, even recent events. They do not react to situations as quickly.
Their body movements are uncoordinated; they begin to lose their balance easily, stumbling; walking is not stable.
Their vision becomes blurry. They may have trouble sensing things (hearing, tasting, feeling, etc.).

Confusion (BAC = 0.18 to 0.30%)

Profound confusion—uncertain where they are or what they are doing. Dizziness and staggering occur.
Heightened emotional state—aggressive, withdrawn, or overly affectionate. Vision, speech, and awareness are impaired.
Poor coordination and pain response. Nausea and vomiting sometimes occurs.

Stupor (BAC = 0.25 to 0.40%)

Movement severely impaired; lapses in and out of consciousness.
Subjects can slip into a coma; will become completely unaware of surroundings, time passage, and actions.
Risk of death is very high due to alcohol poisoning and/or pulmonary aspiration of vomit while unconscious.
Loss of bodily functions can begin, including bladder control, breathing, heart rate.

Coma (BAC = 0.35 to 0.50%)

Unconsciousness sets in.
Reflexes are depressed (i.e., pupils do not respond appropriately to changes in light).
Breathing is slower and more shallow. Heart rate drops. Death usually occurs at levels in this range.

Death (BAC more than 0.50%)

Thursday, October 30, 2008