| Blood Alcohol Concentration (% w/v) |
Stage of Alcohol Influence |
Clinical Signs/Symptoms |
| 0.09-0.25 |
Excitement |
Beginning sensory-motor impairment Slow information processing
Loss of efficiency in finer performance tests
Emotional instability; loss of critical judgment
Impairment of perception, memory, and comprehension
Decreased sensory response; increased reaction time
Reduced visual acuity, peripheral vision and glare recovery
Sensory-motor incoordination; impaired balance
Drowsiness |
| 0.18-0.30 |
Confusion |
Disorientation, mental confusion; dizziness
Exaggerated emotional states (fear, rage, etc.)
Disturbances of vision (diplopia, etc.)
Increased pain threshold
Increased muscular incoordination; 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 incoordination; inability to
stand or walk
Vomiting; incontinence of urine or feces
Impaired consciousness; sleep or stupor |
| 0.35-0.50 |
Coma |
Complete unconsciousness; coma; anesthesia
Depressed or abolished reflexes
Subnormal temperature
Incontinence of urine or feces
Impairment of circulation and respiration
Possible death |
| 0.45+ |
Death |
Death from respiratory arrest |
