There are many factors that affect each individual’s BAC (blood alcohol level), according to this Stanford University article. After a few drinks, different people’s bodies react in unique ways, so it’s impossible to predict with absolute certainty what someone’s blood alcohol level will be at any given time without a breath or blood test. To be on the safe side, if you’ve been drinking, it’s best to take a cab or hitch a ride home with a friend. But if that’s not possible and you want to avoid a DUI, find out what factors may affect your blood alcohol level today.
It’s impossible to say, only drive if you’ve had one drink because with the exact same amount of alcohol, BAC levels vary widely according to key physiological and biological factors.
Women and men
Gender affects blood alcohol levels. Women naturally have about half as many enzymes that are used to metabolize alcohol than men do. These enzymes are alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Women also typically have smaller body size than men do. This affects BAC levels because the alcohol has less space to diffuse through, equaling more alcohol in the blood stream. As a result, women generally have higher BAC levels than men.
Fat/Muscle Ratios
Alcohol draws into lean muscle mass quicker than into body fat. So BAC levels are higher in those with a higher percentage of body fat.
Psychological factors
If someone is stressed, alcohol absorbed more quickly into their body. So their BAC levels will be lower than someone’s who drank the same amount of alcohol but is more relaxed.
Medicine
If you’ve taken any medicine, it’s best to avoid alcohol all together. Medications and alcohol can interact and cause serious havoc on the drinker’s body. BAC levels can worsen dramatically when paired with certain medications – even super common ones like cold medicine.
Drinking and eating?
It’s best to drink and eat high-protein foods such as cheese when consuming alcohol to maintain lower BAC levels. Drinking on an empty stomach can upset your digestive system, resulting in faster absorption of alcohol in the body, and quicker intoxication.
Health factors
There are a whole host of biological factors that can affect BAC levels, including genetic variables. Health factors include enzyme deficiencies, diabetes, hypertension, thiamine deficiency, depression, seizure disorder, and many others. These conditions and many others may inhibit the body’s ability to process alcohol effectively.
Got more questions?
Feel free to poke around on the internet to find out more about the different factors that affect BAC levels. There are many helpful articles on this important subject.
But if you do happen to get slapped with a DUI, help is just a phone call away. Call Attorney Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm for expert legal advise and representation throughout your case. He’s Southern California’s top DUI defense attorney, and he’ll work tenaciously to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
All prospective clients are welcome to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Chambers by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or by using the chat box below.
