An alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning, occurs when a person consumes a toxic amount of alcohol in a short period. This can depress the central nervous system, slowing down vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. Symptoms of an alcohol overdose include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, and unconsciousness. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.
Anyone who consumes excessive alcohol in a short time is at risk of an alcohol overdose. However, risk levels vary depending on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), which measures the percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. Factors that affect BAC include body weight, sex, age, metabolism, food intake, and alcohol tolerance. For example, a smaller person who drinks quickly on an empty stomach will reach a higher BAC level than a larger individual drinking the same amount over a longer period.
BAC is typically measured as a percentage. A common formula used to estimate BAC is the Widmark Formula:
The Gender Constant is typically 0.68 for men and 0.55 for women because women tend to have a higher fat percentage, leading to slower alcohol absorption.
For a rough estimate, online BAC calculators can also provide an approximation based on the number of drinks consumed, body weight, and time elapsed.
The alcohol level in the blood is often measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). To convert this to BAC (expressed as a percentage), divide the alcohol level by 1000.
For example:
The body metabolizes alcohol at an average rate of 0.015% BAC per hour. This means if a person’s BAC is 0.08%, it would take approximately 5-6 hours to return to zero. However, this rate can vary based on metabolism, liver function, hydration, and food intake.
For example, if someone has a BAC of 0.10%, it would take about 6-7 hours to fully clear alcohol from their system. There is no way to speed up this process—only time can lower BAC. Cold showers, coffee, or exercise may make someone feel more alert but do not reduce BAC.
What is a Standard Drink?
Drink Type | Standard Serving Size | Approximate Alcohol Content |
Regular Beer | 12 fl oz | About 5% alcohol |
Malt Liquor / Hard Seltzer | 8–10 fl oz | About 7% alcohol |
Table Wine | 5 fl oz | About 12% alcohol |
Fortified Wine (Sherry, Port) | 3–4 fl oz (3.5 oz shown) | About 17% alcohol |
Cordial, Liqueur, Aperitif | 2–3 fl oz (2.5 oz shown) | About 24% alcohol |
Brandy or Cognac | 1.5 fl oz (single jigger/shot) | About 40% alcohol |
Distilled Spirits (Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey) | 1.5 fl oz (shot) | About 40% alcohol |
Each serving represents 0.6 fluid ounces of pure ethanol, which is considered one U.S. “standard drink” or “alcoholic drink equivalent.”
BAC Level | Impairment Category | Effects & Symptoms |
0.00–0.05% | Mild Impairment | Mild speech, memory, attention, coordination, and balance impairments. Perceived beneficial effects such as relaxation. Sleepiness can begin. |
0.06–0.15% | Increased Impairment | Perceived relaxation turns into intoxication. Increased risk of aggression in some people. Speech, memory, attention, and coordination further impaired. Significant driving impairments. Increased risk of injury. Moderate memory impairments. |
0.16–0.30% | Severe Impairment | Speech, memory, coordination, reaction time, and balance significantly impaired. All driving-related skills dangerously impaired. Judgment and decision-making dangerously impaired. Blackouts (memory gaps), vomiting, and loss of consciousness may occur. |
0.31–0.45% | Life-Threatening | Loss of consciousness. Danger of life-threatening alcohol overdose. Significant risk of death due to suppression of vital life functions. |
Understanding these concepts can help individuals make safer choices regarding alcohol consumption and avoid the risks of alcohol overdose.
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