Expert: Paul Wagner - 6/3/2010

Question
I am a Moslem and I would like to know at what percentage of ethanol in any alcoholic beverages,vinegar and food that can  intoxicate the consumer.From what I've read, different individual has a different tolerance in the level of alcohol in their blood,in some people after having 2 drinks, then the person easily passed out but in another person, even after having 7 to 8 drinks, can still stay sober.Please help.

Answer
Hi Umara

This is a very good question, and I applaud you for asking it.  First of all, let's start with some basic statistics.  In many countries, you are considered too drunk to drive when your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)reaches .08.  That is roughly the equivalent of two alcoholic drinks with no food in one hour---for someone who weighs about 60 kilos.  

Now that you understand that, let's explore the variables.

1.  Different people react differently to Alcohol.  Some become more inebriated quicker, and others are slower.  That is true, perhaps because of their metabolism.   But there are other factors that are more important.

2.  Body weight makes a big difference, and large people can obviously consume more than smaller people before their BAC reaches .08.  And if you consume large amounts of water and food, the impact of the alcohol will also be less.

3.  People who are very tired or stressed are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, as are people who are dehydrated.  

4.  Finally, some people can function with relative logic at BAC .08, while others are affected with much lower BACs.  

So as you can see, there are a lot of factors involved.  Smart consumers of alcohol learn their limits, and drink responsibly.

Paul Wagner