Short-term Effects of Alcohol - Effects By Dosage

Effects By Dosage

Different concentrations of alcohol in the human body have different effects on the subject.

The following lists the common effects of alcohol on the body, depending on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, tolerance varies considerably between individuals, as does individual response to a given dosage; the effects of alcohol differ widely between people. Hence, BAC percentages are just estimates used for illustrative purposes.


Euphoria (BAC = 0.03% to 0.12%)
  • Overall improvement in mood and possible euphoria
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Increased sociability
  • Decreased Anxiety
  • Shortened attention span
  • Flushed appearance
  • Impaired judgment
  • Impaired fine muscle coordination


Lethargy (BAC = 0.09% to 0.25%)
  • Sedation
  • Impaired memory and comprehension
  • Delayed reactions
  • Ataxia; balance difficulty; unbalanced walk
  • Blurred vision; other senses may be impaired


Confusion (BAC = 0.18% to 0.30%)
  • Profound confusion
  • Impaired senses
  • Analgesia
  • Increased ataxia; impaired speech; staggering
  • Dizziness often associated with nausea ("the spins")
  • Vomiting (emesis)
Stupor (BAC = 0.25% to 0.40%)
  • Severe ataxia
  • Lapses in and out of consciousness
  • Unconsciousness
  • Anterograde amnesia
  • Vomiting (death may occur due to inhalation of vomit (pulmonary aspiration) while unconscious)
  • Respiratory depression (potentially life-threatening)
  • Decreased heart rate (usually results in coldness and/or numbness of the limbs)
  • Urinary incontinence


Coma (BAC = 0.35% to 0.50%)
  • Unconsciousness (coma)
  • Depressed reflexes (i.e., pupils do not respond appropriately to changes in light)
  • Marked and life-threatening respiratory depression
  • Markedly decreased heart rate
  • Most deaths from alcohol poisoning are caused by dosage levels in this range.

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