Exposure to large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time stimulates the body’s inhibitory responses affecting body temperature, breathing, heart rate, behaviour and reflexes. Short-term alcohol consumption acts as a depressant by increasing inhibitory transmission, decreasing excitatory transmission or a sequence of both. Alcohol’s depressant effects on neurotransmission are associated with some of the behavioural and physical symptoms affiliated with intoxication.
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) refers to the percent of alcohol (ethanol) in a person’s blood stream. Symptoms of intoxication are directly related to a person’s BAC which can be influenced by a series of biological and external factors.
- Body type and weight. People with a lower body fat percentage absorb alcohol more quickly than people with a higher body fat percentage.
- Health status. Viral infections and other pro-inflammatory conditions can put you at a greater risk of alcohol intoxication.
- Recent food intake. A full stomach can slow down the absorption of alcohol.
- Combination with other drugs. Concomitant uptake of certain drugs such as acetaminophen, isoniazid and methotrexate can increase the likelihood of alcohol intoxication.
- Percentage of alcohol. Drinks that contain a higher percentage of alcohol will raise your BAC more quickly than lower percent beverages.
- Rate and amount of alcohol. Drinking a large number of drinks quickly puts you at risk of intoxication.
- Genetics. Genetic variations can increase or decrease your alcohol tolerance.
Symptoms of Intoxication
There are seven stages of alcohol intoxication that co-respond with the persons blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
| BAC | Stage of Intoxication | Symptoms |
| 0.01 – 0.05 | Subclinical | Persons behaviour is normal and is not displaying any clinical symptoms (sober). |
| 0.03 – 0.12 | Euphoria | Signs of mild euphoria, increased sociability and confidence. Minor signs of decreased sensory and motor skills. |
| 0.09 – 0.25 | Excitement | Emotional instability and a noticeable loss of coordination. Significant loss of judgement and memory alongside loss of balance. |
| 0.18 – 0.30 | Confusion | Emotional outburst, major loss of coordination. Persons likely stagger when walking. Confusion and loss of consciousness are common at this stage. |
| 0.27 – 0.40 | Stupor | Person is no longer responsive and will not be able to walk at this point. Complete loss of control over their body functions. |
| 0.35 – 0.45 | Coma | Breathing and circulatory events are slowed. Respiratory depression, reflexes are non functional. |
| 0.45+ | Death | Death. |
Risks Associated with Intoxication
Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that can increase the prevalence of many harmful health conditions. These likely are the result of short-term binge drinking and include the following:
- Harm to self and others. Such as falls, drowning, burns and vehicle crashes.
- Violence. Homicide, suicide, sexual assault and domestic violence.
- Alcohol Toxicity. Also known as alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from extremely high BAC.
- Unsafe sexual behaviours. Including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. This can lead to unintentional pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted diseases.