Blood alcohol content (BAC) is a calculation of the amount of alcohol present in your bloodstream, based on the alcohol you consumed over a given period of time. Alcohol is absorbed through your stomach and small intestine before entering your blood.
Within half an hour to a little over an hour of alcohol consumption, you can measure BAC. However, it is imperative to understand that there are several factors which can have an impact on your body’s absorption of alcohol.
Common factors which affect your BAC level include the following:
- Your weight – The more you weight, the more water your body retains. This water dilutes the alcohol an individual consumes, which is the reason why larger people typically require more drinks to become intoxicated compared to a person who weighs much less.
- Your gender – Men have a much higher water content in their bodies compared to women. So if women consume alcohol as the same rate as their male counterparts, they often obtain a higher BAC. In addition, women have fewer enzymes in their stomachs that break down alcohol faster than men.
- Your age – The older you become, the more noticeable alcohol’s intoxicating effects will be.
- Your rate of consumption – The faster you consume alcohol, the more it will appear in your bloodstream.
- How much food you ate – Flood slows the absorption process, which means the alcohol will remain in your stomach longer. Those who consume alcohol on an empty stomach will have a higher BAC than people who ate before drinking.
- Your medications – Medications, such as prescription drugs and allergy pills, can intensify the effects of alcohol, which can also be a health risk.
If you were arrested and charged with a DUI in Ventura County, request a free consultation with our Ventura DUI lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert F. Sommers today.