0. Keep what you’ve earned training presentation: BAC Levels & Factors
Developed by the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) Office, the “Keep What You’ve Earned” (KWYE) campaign seeks to encourage responsible drinking among Sailors by celebrating the achievements in their Navy careers. Through recognition of their hard work and dedication, Sailors are reminded of their accomplishments—and how much they have to lose if they make poor choices regarding alcohol. The campaign actively engages Sailors as advocates for responsible drinking.
SESSION 2 │ 2013

1. What are the Physical effects of a BAC Level?
Blood Alcohol Content/Concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood.
Legal intoxication is defined as having a BAC of 0.08 or greater.
Bodies burn or metabolize alcohol at a steady rate.
The only thing that can lower a BAC is time. There is no way to dilute the amount of alcohol in the body by drinking or eating other things.
Talking Points:
BAC refers to the percent of alcohol in a person’s blood stream. A BAC of .10 percent means that an individual’s blood supply contains one part alcohol for every 1,000 parts blood.
Even small amounts of alcohol in the system affect judgment and coordination. Increased amounts affect the body and mind more dramatically. Large amounts can kill.
The following approximate effects of different levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are estimates only. Individual reactions vary, sometimes widely.
Beware of unfamiliar drinks. Some drinks, such as zombies and other fruit drinks, can be deceiving as the alcohol content is not detectable. Therefore, it is difficult to space them properly.

2. What are the Physical effects of a BAC Level?
Mildly relaxed and maybe a little lightheaded.
BAC
Your behavior may become exaggerated and emotions intensified.
BAC
Judgment and self-control are reduced, and caution, reason and memory are impaired. .08 is legally impaired and it is illegal to drive at this level. You will probably believe that you are functioning better than you really are.
BAC
Mildly relaxed and maybe a little lightheaded BAC
Your behavior may become exaggerated and emotions intensified BAC
Judgment and self-control are reduced, and caution, reason and memory are impaired. .08 is legally impaired and it is illegal to drive at this level. You will probably believe that you are functioning better than you really are.

3. What are the Physical effects of a BAC Level?
Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment.
BAC
Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance.
BAC
Dysphoria predominates, nausea may appear. The drinker has the appearance of a "sloppy drunk.”
BAC
Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired. Euphoria BAC
Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) is beginning to appear. Judgment and perception are severely impaired BAC
Dysphoria predominates, nausea may appear. The drinker has the appearance of a "sloppy drunk." BAC
Feeling dazed, confused or otherwise disoriented. May need help to stand or walk. If you injure yourself you may not feel the pain. Some people experience nausea and vomiting at this level. The gag reflex is impaired and you can choke if you do vomit. Blackouts are likely at this level so you may not remember what has happened.
0.20 BAC
Feeling dazed, confused or otherwise disoriented. May need help to stand or walk. Blackouts are likely at this level so you may not remember what has happened.

4. What is a standard drink?
A standard drink is any drink that contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol (about 0.6 fluid ounces or 1.2 tablespoons). Below are standard drink equivalents as well as the number of standard drinks in different container sizes for each beverage. These are approximate, as different brands and types of beverages vary in their actual alcohol content.
Talking Points:
It is important to know the definition of one standard drink. This is because certain drinks may be stronger than others.
This is especially important with mixed drinks, as many mixed drinks (even though you are only holding one cup) contain more than one standard drink.
These images depict the typical standard drinks of a 12 oz. beer, a 4 oz. glass of wine, and a 1.25 oz. shot of hard liquor, all of which are equivalent based on proof and volume.

5. What Factors Affect Intoxication?
Body Weight/Body Type
Strength of Drink
Food
Gender
Medications
Illness
Fatigue
Body Weight/Body Type – The less you weigh, the more you will be affected by a given amount of alcohol. For people of the same weight, individuals with a lower percentage of body fat will have lower BAC’s than those with a higher percentage of body fat.
Strength of Drink – Stronger drinks will result in higher blood alcohol concentration. Understand drink equivalents.
Food – Always eat before drinking, especially foods high in protein. Having food in your stomach will help slow down the processing of alcohol.
Gender – Women have less of the enzyme dehydrogenase that breaks down alcohol in the stomach.
Medications – Most medications have some type of reaction when mixed with alcohol. Always consult your physician before mixing any medication with alcohol.
Illness – If you are sick, there is a good chance you are dehydrated. This will result in a higher blood alcohol concentration. Dehydration can also make your liver less efficient at eliminating alcohol.
Fatigue – Fatigue causes many of the same symptoms as intoxication. If you are fatigued before drinking, intoxication will intensify the symptoms.

6. DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW:
It is possible for a person who has had a lot to drink to stop drinking late at night, sleep for several hours and still have a BAC level high enough to impair their driving the next morning.

7. You’ve EARNED IT- DON’T WASTE IT
DRINK RESPONSIBLY, EVERY TIME:
Plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Don’t try to “keep up” with others.
Know your limit, before you get there.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY, EVERY TIME:
Plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Don’t try to “keep up” with others.
Know your limit, before you get there.