Alcohol - Factors that impact BAC levels Flashcards
Body size
When served the same amount of alcohol in the same amount of time, a smaller person will have a higher BAC than a larger person. This is because the alcohol is concentrated in a smaller body mass.
Body fat
When comparing two people of the same weight, a person with a higher percentage of body fat will tend to have a higher BAC. This is because alcohol is not absorbed into fatty tissue and is therefore concentrated in a smaller body mass.
Fitness
Muscular people have more total body water because muscle tissue contains more water than fat tissue. Alcohol distributes itself in total body water, but not in fat. So, a more muscular 175-pound (79.4 kg) male will have a lower BAC than an unfit 175-pound (79.4 kg) male.
Age
As people age, their ability to metabolize alcohol decreases. Aging reduces muscle mass and the body’s ability to retain water. An older person who drinks the same amount of alcohol as a younger person will likely have a higher BAC level.
Sex
Females and transgender individuals assigned female at birth, tend to have a higher proportion of fatty tissue and less total body water than males and transgender individuals assigned male at birth, of the same weight. If a female and male weigh the same, and consume the same number of Standard Drinks in the same amount of time, the female will likely have a higher BAC.
food and non alcoholic drinks
Eating foods that are high in fat and protein, before or while drinking, will keep alcohol in the stomach longer and slow down absorption. This means it may take more time for BAC levels to rise. Eating food and consuming alcohol-free drinks may also slow the rate at which a person consumes alcohol.
Note: Salty foods can cause a guest to become thirsty, which may lead them to drink more in a shorter period of time.
Drugs
Legal/illegal drugs, cannabis, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications can increase the effects of alcohol.
caffeinated drinks/ caffeinated energy drinks
Caffeinated energy drinks and coffee are stimulants that can mask the effects of alcohol. This means people consuming these drinks along with alcohol may not realize how intoxicated they are becoming. Health Canada requires that all energy drink labels state “do not mix with alcohol.”
Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks allow alcohol to enter into the bloodstream faster than normal. This is because carbonation builds up the pressure in the stomach, forcing alcohol into the stomach lining. From there, alcohol can quickly pass into the bloodstream.
Environment
Under most social drinking conditions, drinks are consumed every 20 minutes or at a rate of three per hour in a one to two hour period. Patterns will change with extended periods of drinking. People who are involved in social activities (talking with friends and eating) will often drink less, and slower.
Tolerance
Tolerance
Experienced or regular drinkers tend to increase the amount they drink over time to feel the same effects from alcohol. They may show few visible signs of intoxication even with fairly high BACs. It is entirely possible for a customer to be too drunk to legally drive, yet show no visible signs of intoxication. It is important to note that a greater tolerance to alcohol does NOT lower a person’s BAC.
