Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a measure of the amount of alcohol in your blood. It is expressed as a percentage, with 0.08% being the legal limit for driving in most states.
If your BAC is 0, it means that there is no detectable alcohol in your blood. This can be due to a number of factors, including:
- You have not consumed any alcohol recently.
- You have consumed alcohol, but it has not yet been absorbed into your bloodstream.
- You have a high tolerance for alcohol.
- You are taking medication that interacts with alcohol.
If you are concerned about your BAC, you can use a breathalyzer to test your blood alcohol level. Breathalyzers are available at most police stations, bars, and liquor stores.
What Are the Effects of Alcohol on the Body?
Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the body’s functions. This can lead to a number of effects, including:
- Impaired judgment
- Slowed reaction time
- Reduced coordination
- Slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Blackouts
- Alcohol poisoning
What Are the Risks of Drinking Alcohol?
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing a number of health problems, including:
- Liver damage
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Birth defects
- Alcohol dependence
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Alcohol-Related Problems?
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of alcohol-related problems, including:
- Drink in moderation.
- Avoid binge drinking.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Do not drink if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking that may interact with alcohol.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Alcohol Dependence?
If you think you may have alcohol dependence, it is important to seek help. Treatment for alcohol dependence can include:
- Detoxification
- Therapy
- Medication
- Support groups
Tables
| BAC | Effects |
|---|---|
| 0.00% | No detectable alcohol in the blood |
| 0.02% | May feel relaxed and sociable |
| 0.05% | May experience impaired judgment and coordination |
| 0.08% | Legal limit for driving in most states |
| 0.10% | May experience significant impairment of judgment and coordination |
| 0.15% | May experience confusion and disorientation |
| 0.20% | May experience nausea and vomiting |
| 0.25% | May experience respiratory depression |
| 0.30% | May experience coma |
| 0.40% | May be fatal |
| Age Group | Percentage of Alcohol-Related Deaths |
|---|---|
| 15-24 years | 35% |
| 25-34 years | 26% |
| 35-44 years | 19% |
| 45-54 years | 14% |
| 55-64 years | 10% |
| 65 years and older | 6% |
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage of Alcohol-Related Deaths |
|---|---|
| White | 65% |
| Black | 20% |
| Hispanic | 10% |
| Asian | 5% |
| Gender | Percentage of Alcohol-Related Deaths |
|---|---|
| Men | 70% |
| Women | 30% |
Strategies
- Set limits on how much you drink.
- Drink slowly and pace yourself.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
- Drink plenty of water or juice to stay hydrated.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking that may interact with alcohol.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not drink alcohol.
- Seek help if you think you may have alcohol dependence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not assume that you are immune to the effects of alcohol.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Do not binge drink.
- Do not drink on an empty stomach.
- Do not mix alcohol with other drugs.
- Do not drink alcohol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not ignore the signs of alcohol dependence.