What are the Different Stages of Being Drunk?

The first stage of being drunk, known as subclinical intoxication, or being sober, occurs when the individual has consumed a small amount of alcohol and does not appear intoxicated. This stage usually occurs at a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.01 to 0.05 and occurs with one drink or less per hour for most people.

During this stage the effects of alcohol are not apparent or obvious, impairment may be detectable by certain tests, and behavior is nearly normal.

The second stage of intoxication is known as euphoric and occurs at a BAC of 0.03 to 0.12. Typically, this stage occurs with two to three drinks per hour for men and one to two drinks per hour for women. People frequently refer to this stage as being tipsy.

People in the euphoric stage are more social and talkative, have increased confidence and lowered inhibitions, have some motor impairment, and have diminished attention and control.

A BAC of 0.09 to 0.25 is referred to as the excitement stage. In this stage, a person may lose emotional stability and begin slurring their speech. Other people will notice that the person is drunk. This stage usually occurs in men after three to five drinks per hour and in women after two to four drinks per hour.

Additionally, they may experience perception and memory impairment, vision changes, loss of balance, and nausea and vomiting.

The confusion stage of intoxication occurs when someone reaches a BAC of 0.18 to 0.30. For most men, this stage happens when they’ve consumed more than five drinks per hour, and for women, more than four drinks per hour. A feature of this stage is blacking out or losing memory while drinking. People in this stage will likely also have their balance and coordination impaired enough to result in staggering and an inability to stand.

The following symptoms may also occur including exaggerated emotions including fear, grief or rage, double vision, and increased pain threshold.

The stupor stage occurs when someone reaches a BAC of 0.25 to 0.40. At this stage, people are at increased risk of alcohol poisoning. The gag reflex may stop working properly, and it may be possible to choke on vomit. They are also at risk for respiratory depression, so medical attention should be sought.

During stupor, people may not respond to surroundings, be completely passed out, vomit, and lose the ability to control bodily functions like urination or defecation.

Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately.

Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone, contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.

When a person’s BAC reaches 0.35 to 0.50, there is a high chance of a coma. The person may be completely unconscious with no reaction to their surroundings.

Additionally, a person will likely experience body temperature drops, poor circulation, possible respiratory depression, and possible death.

The risk of death significantly increases when a person’s BAC surpasses 0.45. At this point, the body may not be able to maintain vital functions like breathing. Respiratory depression is a likely cause of death. However, remember that death is still possible at earlier stages and with other BAC figures.