Effects of Alcohol Intoxication
So if alcohol
is a natural product, why do we need to be concerned about drinking
it? When people drink, alcohol is absorbed into their bloodstream.
From there, it affects the central nervous system (the brain and
spinal cord), which controls virtually all body functions. Alcohol
is a depressant, which means it slows the function of the central
nervous system. That's why drinking small amounts of alcohol reduces
anxiety. Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages
trying to get to the brain. This alters your perceptions, your
emotions, and even your movements, vision, and hearing.
More alcohol causes greater changes
in the brain, resulting in intoxication. People who have overused
alcohol may stagger, lose their coordination, and slur their speech.
They will probably be confused and disoriented. Intoxication
can make people very friendly and talkative or very aggressive
and angry. Reaction times are slowed dramatically. People who
are intoxicated may think they're moving properly, when they're
not. They may act totally out of character.
The following is a summary of the effects that alcohol has on
* Alcohol is a DOWNER that reduces activity in the central nervous
system. The alcohol intoxicated person exhibits loose muscle tone,
loss of fine motor coordination, and often has a staggering "drunken"
* Eyes: The eyes may appear somewhat "glossy"
and pupils may be slow to respond to stimulus. At high doses pupils
may become constricted.
* Vital Signs: At intoxicating doses, alcohol
can decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and respiration
rate, and result in decreased reflex responses and slower reaction
* Skin: Skin may be cool to the touch (but the
user may feel warm), profuse sweating may accompany alcohol use.
* Observation: Loose muscle tone, loss of fine
motor coordination, odor of alcohol on the breath, and a staggering
When large amounts of alcohol are
consumed in a short period of time, alcohol poisoning can result.
Alcohol poisoning is very dangerous. Violent vomiting is usually
the first symptom, as the body tries to rid itself of the alcohol.
Extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, dangerously
low blood sugar, seizures, and even death may result.
The following is a description
of the specific effects that are related to the Blood Alcohol
Concentration (BAC). The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly
influenced by individual variations among users. Some users may
become intoxicated at a much lower Blood Alcohol Concentration
(BAC) level than is shown.
* 0.02-0.03 BAC: No loss of coordination, slight
euphoria and loss of shyness. Depressant effects are not apparent.
* 0.04-0.06 BAC: Feeling of well-being, relaxation,
lower inhibitions, sensation of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment
of reasoning and memory, lowering of caution.
* 0.07-0.09 BAC: Slight impairment of balance,
speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Euphoria. Judgment
and self- control are reduced, and caution, reason and memory
* 0.10-0.125 BAC: Significant impairment of motor
coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred;
balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired. Euphoria.
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle at this level of intoxication.
* 0.13-0.15 BAC: Gross motor impairment and lack
of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance.
Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria is beginning to appear.
* 0.16-0.20 BAC: Dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness)
predominates, nausea may appear. The drinker has the appearance
of a "sloppy drunk."
* 0.25 BAC: Needs assistance in walking; total
mental confusion. Dysphoria with nausea and some vomiting.
* 0.30 BAC: Loss of consciousness.
* 0.40 BAC and up: Onset of coma, possible death
due to respiratory arrest.