Article Index DUI Lawyers

Blood Alcohol Content-How Drunk Are You? Blood alcohol content (BAC) or blood alcohol concentration is the concentration of alcohol in blood. It is usually measured as mass per volume. For example, a BAC of 0.02% means 0.2 ‰ (per mil which is a tenth of a percent or one part per thousand) or 0.02 grams of alcohol per 100 grams of individual's blood, or 0.2 grams of alcohol per 1000 grams of blood. A BAC rating of 0.20% represents very serious intoxication (most first-time drinkers would be unconscious by about 0.15%) and 0.35% represents potentially fatal alcohol poisoning. 0.40% is the medically accepted lethal dose for 50% of adult humans. The 50% to survive are likely long-time, heavy drinkers. To see how different drinks and eating different food over varying periods of time affect males or females of varying body weights, use this interactive blood alcohol content BAC calculator    Progressive Effects of Alcohol BAC (%) Behavior Impairment 0.01–0.029 Average individual appears normal Subtle effects detected with tests 0.03–0.059 Mild euphoria Sense of well-being Relaxation Talkativeness Joyous Decreased inhibition Alertness Judgment Coordination Concentration 0.06–0.10 Blunted Feelings Disinhibition Extroversion Sexual Pleasure Reflexes Reasoning Depth Perception Distance Acuity Peripheral Vision Glare Recovery 0.11–0.20 Over-Expression Emotional Swings Angry or Sad Boisterous Reaction Time Gross Motor Control Staggering Slurred Speech 0.21–0.29 Stupor Lose Understanding Impaired Sensations Severe Motor Impairment Loss of Consciousness Memory Blackout 0.30–0.39 Severe Depression Unconsciousness Death Possible Bladder Function Breathing Heart Rate >0.40 Unconsciousness Death Breathing Heart Rate   A standard drink consists of: 12-ounce bottle or can of regular beer; 5-ounce glass of regular (dinner) wine; and 1½ ounce drink of 80 proof (40%) distilled spirits or liquor (either straight or in a mixed drink). Alcoholic proof is a measure of how much alcohol (ethanol) is in an alcoholic beverage.  Proof is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). Standard Drink Chart (US) Alcohol Amount in ml Amount in fl. oz. Amount Alcohol % by vol. Alcohol in ml 80 proof liquor 44 ml 1.25 oz 1 small shot 40 18 beer 355 ml 12 oz 1 can 4.5 18 table wine 148 ml 5 oz 1 small glass 10 18 If you are learning about blood alcohol content and how much alcohol is in a drink only after you have been drinking, driving and arrested for DWI or DUI, get a free consultation with a DWI Lawyer or DUI Lawyer. Next article: How Much Will a DUI Arrest Cost?