How Alcohol Affects the Body

How Alcohol Is Processed

When you drink alcohol, it is absorbed through the stomach lining and small intestine into the bloodstream. The liver processes about 90-95% of the alcohol, breaking it down with the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase at a rate of approximately one standard drink per hour. The remaining 5-10% is eliminated through breath, urine, and sweat.

Effects at Each BAC Level

0.02–0.03%Mild Effects
  • Slight relaxation and mood elevation
  • Slight body warmth
  • Minimal impairment of judgment
0.04–0.06%Mild Impairment
  • Feeling of well-being and relaxation
  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Minor impairment of reasoning and memory
  • Reduced alertness
0.07–0.09%Impaired
  • Reduced coordination and balance
  • Impaired speech and vision
  • Reduced reaction time by 15-25%
  • Judgment clearly affected
  • At or above legal driving limit
0.10–0.15%Significant Impairment
  • Slurred speech
  • Poor coordination, staggering
  • Reduced reaction time by 40-60%
  • Impaired thinking and judgment
  • Nausea may occur
0.16–0.24%Severe Impairment
  • Disorientation and confusion
  • Nausea and possible vomiting
  • Blackouts (memory gaps)
  • Significantly impaired motor function
  • Emotional instability
0.25–0.39%Dangerous
  • Inability to walk without assistance
  • Severe disorientation
  • Vomiting (aspiration risk)
  • Loss of consciousness possible
  • Risk of alcohol poisoning — seek medical help
0.40%+Life-Threatening
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Respiratory depression
  • Coma
  • Death is possible — call 911 immediately

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Call 911 immediately if someone shows these signs:

  • Unconscious or unresponsive
  • Slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
  • Seizures
  • Blue-tinged or pale skin
  • Low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • Vomiting while unconscious

Do not leave someone alone “to sleep it off.” Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency.

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