One factor that is considered to determine whether a person is legally intoxicated is their blood alcohol content or BAC. This is the amount of alcohol that is found in their blood as a result of their consumption over a specific amount of time. However, there are a few factors that can directly impact a person’s BAC. As a result, the BAC may not be truly accurate in terms of the amount of alcohol the person has consumed.
Your Age
Your age can have a direct relationship with your BAC level. As you get older, the effects of alcohol can become even more of an impact on your ability to become intoxicated.
Your Gender
Your gender can also play a key part in your BAC level. Women have higher water content in their bodies and alcohol is very water-soluble. As a result, when a woman consumes the same amount of alcohol as a man, her BAC will become higher even if they are the same weight and age. Women also tend to have lower amounts of a specific enzyme in their stomach that doesn’t break down alcohol as quickly as it does in a man’s body.
Rate of Consumption
If you drink an alcoholic beverage quickly, your BAC will also be higher faster.
Drink Strength
The strength of the alcoholic drink also has an impact on your BAC. If a drink contains more alcohol and is not watered down, the more alcohol ends up in your bloodstream and the higher your BAC.
Body Type
Your body type also determines what your BAC level ends up being. If you are a larger person who carries more weight, it might take several drinks before the alcohol has an effect. A person who is smaller and weighs less, on the other hand, can get drunk faster.
Fat and Muscle Content
Fat and muscle also play a part in BAC. A person with more body fat typically has a higher BAC while someone with more muscle will have a lower amount since muscle has higher water content. Fat is lower in water by contrast.
Metabolism
Your metabolism determines how quickly your body absorbs alcohol.
Emotional State
If you’re dressed out, your body is better able to absorb alcohol. However, being calm can result in a higher BAC.
Medications
Drinking alcohol can work against certain medications and even heighten the effects of alcohol. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist whether it’s safe to consume alcohol while taking certain drugs.
Food
Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can quickly raise your BAC. When there’s food in your system, it can absorb the alcohol better.
Carbonation
Carbonated beverages can cause alcohol to get into your bloodstream faster and result in a higher BAC.
Final Thoughts
These are all the factors that can lead to a higher BAC. It’s important to keep these things in mind the next time you drive somewhere and later choose to consume an alcoholic beverage.
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