Prevention & education

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream. As BAC increases, so do the effects of alcohol intoxication and likelihood of injury.

Effects of BAC

Know these important numbers! 0.00 is the legal limit for individuals under 21, 0.08 is the legal limit for individuals 21 and over, and 0.15 or above is considered a high risk BAC.

 In the United States, one standard drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:

• 12 ounces of regular beer
  • Light beers may have a lower alcohol content
  • Malt liquors may have a higher alcohol content
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1.5 ounces of distilled liquor
  • This means a shot and a mixed drink both count as one standard drink! Mixed drinks can be made with more than 1.5 ounces and count as more than one standard drink.

Standard size drinks; 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, and 1.5 oz of distilled liquor.

Alcohol overdose occurs when there is too much alcohol in the bloodstream. Areas of the brain that control basic life-support functions (breathing, heart rate, and temperature control) begin to shut down. Alcohol overdose can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Signs and Symptoms of an Alcohol Overdose

• Difficulty remaining conscious, inability to wake up, confusion
• Vomiting
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Slow heart rate
• Clammy or blue skin
• Dulled responses, such as no gag reflex (which prevents choking)
• Extremely low body temperature
• Seizures

If you suspect that someone is experiencing an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help immediately. Don't wait for someone to have every symptom and don’t play doctor—cold showers, hot coffee, and physical activity do not reverse the effects of alcohol overdose and could actually make things worse. While waiting for help to arrive:

• Do not leave an intoxicated person alone
• Be prepared to provide information to emergency responders, including the type and amount of alcohol consumed and other drugs taken
• Prevent choking and injury with the recovery position

The Recovery Position

Wellness & Health Advocacy recognizes that students may choose to experiment with substance use illegally. We remind students that they may face consequences for these decisions while providing resources and strategies for safer use. To reduce potential harm:

• KNOW your limit, your risk for alcohol use disorder, and what's in your drink.
  • Understand what is a safe amount of alcohol for you to personally consume. This limit may change based on what and how much you've had to drink, how quickly you are drinking, and what you are consuming.
  • Familiarize yourself with your family history on substance use and substance use disorders.
  • Don't accept open or unfamiliar drinks. Keep your drinks close and covered.
• TRACK your drinks, your water intake, and your meals.
  • For most people, consuming 1 drink in 1 hour will maintain a steady BAC. Count your drinks to estimate your BAC!
  • Pacing your drinks and drinking water helps reduce your risk of dehydration.
  • Before being absorbed into the bloodstream, alcohol must first travel through the stomach and intestines. Eating before and while drinking ensures that alcohol is not absorbed too quickly!
• DON'T drink and drive, combine substances, consume something you don't want to, or pressure others to drink.
  • Ensure that you have a safe way to get home or plans to stay somewhere! Even if you are below the legal limit of 0.08, getting behind the wheel can still be unsafe.
  • Other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can interact with alcohol.
  • Everyone has the right to not participate in substance use and to not have their decision questioned. Focus on making the experience fun and positive for everyone!