How Alcohol Affects Your Body
© by Kurt M. Dubowski, University of Oklahoma College and Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK, 1997
0.01-0.05 |
Subclinical |
- Influence/effects not apparent or obvious
- Behavior nearly normal by ordinary observation
- Impairment detectable by special tests
|
0.03-0.12 |
Euphoria |
- Mild euphoria, sociability, talkativeness
- Increased self-confidence; decreased inhibitions
- Diminution of attention, judgment and control
- Some sensory-motor impairment
- Slowed information processing
- Loss of efficiency in critical performance tests
|
0.09-0.25 |
Excitement |
- Emotional instability; loss of critical judgment
- Impairment of perception, memory and comprehension
- Decreased sensatory response; increased reaction time
- Reduced visual acuity, peripheral vision and glare recovery
- Sensory-motor uncoordination; impaired balance
- Drowsiness
|
0.18-0.30 |
Confusion |
- Disorientation, mental confusion; dizziness
- Exaggerated emotional states (fear, rage, grief, etc.)
- Disturbances of vision (diplopia, etc.) and of perception of color, form, motion, dimensions
- Increased pain threshold
- Increased muscular uncoordination; staggering gait; slurred speech
- Apathy, lethargy
|
0.25-0.40 |
Stupor |
- General inertia; approaching loss of motor functions
- Markedly decreased response to stimuli
- Marked muscular uncoordination; inability to stand or walk; vomiting; incontinence of urine and feces
- Impaired consciousness; sleep or stupor
|
0.35-0.50 |
Coma |
- Complete unconsciousness; coma; anesthesia
- Depressed or abolished reflexes
- Subnormal temperature
- Impairment of circulation and respiration
- Possible death
|
0.45 + |
Death |
- Death from respiratory arrest
|
How Alcohol Affects Your Body
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates • 1221 Studewood St • Houston, TX 77008 • 713-802-1631