Blood Alcohol Concentrations

Question 1

What is BAC?

Answer 1

The amount of alcohol in the bloodstream (the Blood Alcohol Concentration)

Question 2

What are the two main factors that affect BAC levels?

Answer 2

The number of drinks and how quickly they are consumed

Question 3

The more drinks consumed in a shorter period of time…

Answer 3

…the higher the BAC.

Question 4

What is the rate that the body will eliminate alcohol?

Answer 4

Approximately one Standard Drink per hour (BAC charts also take this into account).

Question 5

Will BAC continue to rise, even after the person stops drinking?

Answer 5

Yes, because it takes time for alcohol to travel into the bloodstream.

Question 6

What other factors can impact a person’s BAC level?

Answer 6

Body Size, Body Fat, Fitness, Age, Food, Carbonated Drinks, and Medication/Drugs

Question 7

What are the main factors that affect BAC levels?

Answer 7

Sex, weight, number of drinks and time.

Question 8

How does BODY SIZE affect BAC levels?

Answer 8

Smaller = Higher BAC

This is because the alcohol is concentrated in a smaller body mass.

Question 9

How does BODY FAT affect BAC levels?

Answer 9

More body fat = higher BAC.

This is because alcohol is not absorbed into fatty tissue and is therefore concentrated in a smaller body mass.

Question 10

How does FITNESS affect BAC levels?

Answer 10

Muscular = lower BAC.

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

Question 11

How does AGE affect BAC levels?

Answer 11

Older = higher BAC.

As people age, their ability to metabolize alcohol decreases. Aging
reduces muscle mass and the body’s ability to retain water.

Question 12

How does SEX affect BAC levels?

Answer 12

Female = higher BAC.

Females tend to have a higher proportion of fatty tissue and less total body water than males.

Question 13

How does FOOD AND NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS affect BAC levels?

Answer 13

High FAT & PROTEIN = will keep alcohol in the stomach longer and slow down absorption (will take longer for BAC levels to rise)

Combine with non-alcoholic drinks to slow the rate at which a person consumes alcohol.

Question 14

How does SALTY FOODS affect BAC levels?

Answer 14

Salty foods can cause a guest to become thirsty, which may lead them
to drink more in a shorter period of time.

Question 15

How do DRUGS affect BAC levels?

Answer 15

Legal/illegal drugs, cannabis, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter
medications can increase the effects of alcohol.

Question 16

How does CAFFEINATED DRINKS/CAFFEINATED ENERGY DRINKS affect BAC levels?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

What does Health Canada require all energy labels state?

Answer 17

Health Canada requires that all energy drink labels state

“do not mix with alcohol.”

Question 18

How does CARBONATED DRINKS affect BAC levels?

Answer 18

Carbonated drinks allow alcohol to enter into the bloodstream faster
than normal. This is because carbonation builds up pressure in the
stomach, forcing alcohol into the stomach lining. From there, alcohol
can quickly pass into the bloodstream.