Understanding the Blood Alcohol Level Chart

What Is The Normal Range For Blood Alcohol Level?

Learn How to Read the Blood Alcohol Level Chart to Avoid Excess Intake Most adults who are of drinking age are aware of the .08% blood alcohol limit (BAL) as defined by the state. Utah is the only state that has a .05% legal limit, meaning a lower level of alcohol intake is allowed. The legal limit for drinking is most often imposed during traffic stops. This occurs when a police officer suspects someone of driving under the influence of a substance. During the traffic stop, he or she will request the person take a breath test. The person will blow into a small device, which then registers the BAL. If your result exceeds the .08% legal limit, it is likely you will be arrested with a DUI charge. This is a serious offense that costs thousands of dollars in legal fees and many other life-altering consequences. It is wise to become informed about how to manage your alcohol intake. This can help you avoid a DUI or causing injury to someone, or even yourself. A blood alcohol chart is a handy tool for looking up your likely BAL after a couple of drinks. First, though, you must know what defines a “drink.”

What Determines a “Drink?”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 28 people die each day in the U.S. due to an alcohol-impaired driver. In all, about 10,000 people are killed each year due to alcohol-related traffic accidents. This is about 31% of the total of all deaths that occur on the road. The CDC has set some handy guidelines to inform the public of what “heavy drinking” means. These levels are:

• Excessive drinking: 8 or more drinks in a week for women; 15 or more drinks in a week for men.
• Binge drinking: 4 or more drinks in a single session for women; 5 or more drinks in a single session for men.
• A “drink”: A 12-ounce beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces or wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.

The effects of excess alcohol in the system will impair muscle coordination, short-term memory, judgment, and self-control. Driving in this condition, with impaired judgment, delayed reactions, and loss of steering or speed control, can lead to accidents.

What About the Blood Alcohol Level Chart

Many people learn best when they can see an example of the topic being discussed. Here is a blood alcohol level chart. It is a handy chart that can help you to better control your drinking: Always keep in mind that each person will handle alcohol in a unique manner. The body mass index and basic differences in physiology mean we all react to alcohol in our own way. This blood alcohol level chart is only used as a basic gauge.

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is caused by binge drinking or drinking a large amount of ethyl alcohol in a short period of time. This causes more toxins to build up in the bloodstream than the body can manage. The liver becomes overtaxed, and toxins flood the body. The toxins impact all the major organs, but the biggest risk is to the central nervous system. This is what regulates the heart and lung functions. When excess alcohol is in the system, it can lead to suppressed breathing and death. The BAL chart gives you a glimpse of how this works. The blood alcohol level rises along with the number of drinks consumed in an hour or two. For instance, a 200-pound man who drinks 6 drinks in two hours will have a .13% BAL. This far exceeds the legal limit. Drinking games when people do shots can really increase the BAL quickly. Ten shots in an hour are not unheard of and can leave someone severely impaired. When someone does end up with alcohol poisoning, help must be summoned right away.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Problem drinking covers a range of issues. Some may binge drink on the weekends, which is an AUD, while others may drink all day long, also an AUD. Anytime alcohol is consumed in excess of the CDC on a regular basis, AUD can take hold. For some people, an AUD creeps up slowly. They may not even believe they are heavy drinkers. But over time their brain is being altered to adjust for the alcohol’s effects. Symptoms of alcohol use disorder include:

• Drinking more than you intend.
• Try to stop drinking, or cut back, and cannot.
• Engage in high-risk actions while under the influence.
• Increased tolerance and higher intake.
• Continue to drink even with adverse life effects.
• Spend more time drinking.
• Withdraw socially.
• Legal problems due to drinking, such as a DUI.
• Begin to neglect family and work obligations.
• Withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol wears off.

There are rehab programs to help people who have an AUD. These are offered in both outpatient and inpatient formats, with detox as the first step in recovery.

Treatment for AUD

When an AUD is present you will need to obtain treatment to help you overcome it. Treatment involves a multi-tiered approach that helps you to change the way you respond to triggers. You will be engaged in various therapies and also learn new coping skills to help you achieve lasting sobriety. With a better understanding of what level of alcohol intake can get you in trouble, you can avoid a DUI. If you find you have a problem with your drinking, know that help is there for you to break free from an AUD.

LifeSync Malibu Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder in L.A.

LifeSync Malibu is a luxury treatment program that uses the best evidence-based techniques. The team at LifeSync Malibu is ready to guide you on your recovery journey, partnering with you every step of the way. If you are ready to stop drinking, reach out to us! Connect with us today at (866) 491-4426.