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

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