Typical Behaviors at Various Blood Alcohol Levels (BALs)

BAL*
Behavior
Number of Standard Drinks To Reach This Level†

.01-.05%

Decreased alertness; usually "good" feeling; extroversion; thought and judgment impairment; restraint loosened.
1-2

.06-.10%

Large, consistent decrease in reaction time; depth perception, distance acuity, peripheral vision, glare recovery all impaired; behavior changes; diminished awareness; small and large motor control functions impaired.
3-4

.10%

Legally drunk; drivers can be charged with DWI.
4-5

.13-.20%

Marked depression in motor capability; decidedly intoxicated; occasional emotional demonstrations of anger, joy, weeping, shouting.
5-8

.21-.25%

Severe motor disturbances; staggering; sensory perceptions greatly impaired, e.g., blurred vision.
8-10

.30%

Semi-stupor. Possible alcohol poisoning.
10-15

.35%

Same consciousness level as surgical anesthesia; minimal level to cause death in some people.
10-15

.40%

Comatose.
10-15

.50%

Stopping of breathing and heartbeat possible.
10-15

*BAL depends on several factors, such as height, weight, and gender. Some people, including older adults, may experience alcohol effects after having fewer drinks than noted. The exact effects in older adults are not known but would be worse due to lower tolerance and increased sensitivity.

†A standard drink is a 12-ounce beer, a 4- or 5-ounce glass of wine, 1½ ounces of 80 proof liquor, or 4 ounces of liqueur. It takes about an hour to metabolize one drink. Therefore, one drink per hour is the guideline for safe drinking.