What is considered a drink?
The term “drink” can refer to different amounts of alcohol depending on the context. For the purposes of estimating intoxication levels, a standard drink is defined as containing 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. This is the approximate amount of alcohol found in:
- 12 ounces of regular beer (about 5% alcohol)
- 5 ounces of wine (about 12% alcohol)
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (about 40% alcohol)
So when determining how many drinks it takes to get drunk, these standard drink sizes are usually used as a reference point. Drinks served at bars and restaurants often contain much more alcohol than the standard drink amount. For example, a pint of beer is 16 ounces and may contain 2-3 standard drinks depending on the alcohol percentage.
What is considered drunk?
Being “drunk” refers to acute alcohol intoxication – a state when someone has consumed enough alcohol to reach or exceed the legal limit for intoxication. This limit is commonly defined as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or above. At this BAC level, motor coordination, reaction time, judgment and decision-making abilities become impaired.
Different people can show signs of intoxication at different BAC levels. Generally, impairment begins when BAC reaches 0.03-0.12%. A BAC of 0.08% equates to about 4-5 standard drinks consumed within a couple hours for an average-sized person. Higher BAC levels lead to greater levels of impairment:
- BAC of 0.09-0.25% – mild to moderate intoxication
- BAC of 0.18-0.30% – severe intoxication
- BAC of 0.25% and above – potentially life-threatening alcohol poisoning
So “drunk” can refer to mild impairment from a few drinks up to severe drunkenness from excessive alcohol consumption. Legally, a BAC of 0.08% and higher meets the intoxication threshold in most jurisdictions.
Factors that influence intoxication levels
Several key factors affect how the body processes and responds to alcohol, which influences intoxication levels:
Body Weight
People who weigh less will generally feel the effects of alcohol more. Each drink contains the same amount of alcohol, so the concentration in the bloodstream will be higher for those with lower body mass. For example, a 120 lb woman who consumes 5 drinks will likely have a higher BAC than a 200 lb man after the same drinks.
Biological Sex
Females tend to reach higher BAC levels than males after drinking the same amount. This is partly due to differences in body fat ratio, hormones, and water retention. Women also tend to have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes that metabolize alcohol.
Age
Younger drinkers often feel greater effects from alcohol than more experienced adult drinkers. Teen bodies are still developing so they have less tolerance. Also, young drinkers tend to consume alcohol quickly, spiking BAC faster than slower consumption.
Genetics
Research shows that some people are genetically predisposed to having lower alcohol tolerance. Differences in liver enzymes affect how quickly alcohol can be metabolized. People of Asian descent often exhibit “alcohol flush reaction” due to enzyme deficiency.
Medications and Health
Many prescription meds like sedatives can amplify the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Medical conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or hypertension can also heighten impairment. Drinkers should consult doctors about potential interactions.
Food Intake
Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach leads to faster absorption and higher BAC. Eating foods high in protein, carbs or fat when drinking slows down the digestive process. However, the food only delays, not prevents, intoxication.
Drinking Pace
Binge drinking (having multiple drinks per hour) causes a rapid spike in BAC compared to pacing drinks out over time. Taking shots and drinking on an empty stomach also boosts BAC levels.
How Many Drinks to Reach Legal Intoxication Limit
As a general guideline based on research studies, for typical adults, consuming 4-5 standard drinks within a 2 hour period often raises BAC to the 0.08% legal intoxication limit. However, there are many individual differences based on the factors mentioned above. Let’s take a look at some examples:
| Person | # Drinks to Reach ~0.08% BAC |
|---|---|
| 120 lb Female | 3-4 Drinks |
| 150 lb Female | 3-5 Drinks |
| 180 lb Male | 4-5 Drinks |
| 220 lb Male | 5-6 Drinks |
As shown, the number of drinks needed to exceed the legal limit can vary widely based on the drinker’s size and biological factors. For some individuals, just 1-2 large, high-alcohol drinks consumed quickly may be enough.
It’s near impossible to provide an universal number of drinks that will make someone legally intoxicated. A petite person who rapidly consumes shots on an empty stomach will become extremely impaired from fewer drinks than a heavyweight who drinks higher-volume beverages gradually with food.
Rather than counting drinks, it’s most important to monitor signs of impairment and reduced coordination. Using a breathalyzer to measure actual BAC is the best way to gauge intoxication level. Everyone’s alcohol tolerance varies, so pacing yourself and not relying on drink counts alone is crucial.
Symptoms of Alcohol Intoxication
Here are some common signs that indicate a person has consumed enough alcohol to reach the point of intoxication:
- Difficulty walking straight, lack of balance and coordination
- Slurred speech, impaired ability to communicate clearly
- Delayed reaction times, reduced sharpness and focus
- Poor judgment, lowered decision-making abilities and inhibitions
- Mood changes – exaggerated emotions, impulsiveness, aggression
- Memory lapses, difficulty recalling conversations and events
- Dulled perceptions, reduced ability to judge distances and speeds
- Dizziness, more sedated movements and head nodding off
- Nausea, vomiting, sweating, paler skin tones
Individuals display different signs based on their drinking habits and experience. But any combination of these effects indicates the person has reached an unsafe level of intoxication.
Alcohol Tolerance
Frequent heavy drinkers develop tolerance where they don’t exhibit as strong outward signs of intoxication compared to occasional drinkers at the same BAC level. They need to consume more to feel similar effects. This makes gauging impairment in seasoned drinkers more difficult without a breathalyzer. Tolerance actually indicates a high functioning alcoholic who is able to mask their intoxication well.
So lack of visible impairment does NOT necessarily mean an experienced drinker is not over the legal limit and safe to drive a vehicle or operate machinery after extended drinking. They are just as impaired as someone exhibiting more obvious intoxication symptoms.
Dangers of Alcohol Intoxication
Consuming enough alcohol to become impaired negatively affects motor skills, cognition, coordination, perceptions and emotions. This leads to some very dangerous effects:
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Drunk driving is responsible for nearly one-third of all traffic collision fatalities. Over 10,000 people die every year in the U.S. due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Just a 0.02% BAC doubles your risk of a motor vehicle accident.
Falls and Other Accidents
Decreased balance and motor control contributes to slips, falls and mishaps that can cause serious injury. Over 50% of hospital emergency room visits for injuries involve excessive alcohol consumption.
Unsafe Sex
Being drunk impairs judgments about safe sex practices. Over 70% of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies among youth occur under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol Poisoning
Binge drinking too much too fast can overwhelm the body and lead to alcohol poisoning from respiratory or heart failure. Warning signs are seizures, extreme confusion, blue-tinged skin and unresponsiveness.
Choking Hazards
Muscle relaxation from intoxication increases risks of choking on vomit while passed out. Alcohol depresses gag reflexes and hampers airways.
Violent Behavior
Excessive drinking lowers inhibitions and clouds judgments, leading to increased aggression, arguments and physical altercations. Over 1 million violent crimes occur annually in which the offender was drinking.
Any amount of alcohol impairment puts you at higher risk for accidents, injuries and unsafe behaviors with sometimes fatal consequences. Recognizing signs of intoxication before they escalate is crucial.
Strategies to Drink Responsibly and Avoid Intoxication
Here are some smart strategies for moderate social drinking that reduces chances of intoxication:
- Pace yourself – No more than one standard drink per hour
- Alternate with water or soda – Helps you hydrate and cuts back on alcohol volume consumed
- Eat before and while drinking – Lining your stomach delays absorption into the bloodstream
- Set a drink limit in advance – Stick to no more than 2-3 drinks maximum
- Bring a designated driver – Plan not to drive after any drinking
- Avoid drinking games and shots – These spike BAC way too fast
- Stay busy dancing and mingling – Don’t just sit and drink the whole time
Following these tips will help ensure any social drinking remains responsible, safe and within your personal limits. Know the signs of intoxication and cease drinking well before impairment sets in.
Conclusion
There is no universal number of drinks that will make someone legally intoxicated. It depends on many individual biological and environmental factors. For typical adults, consuming 4-5 standard drinks in a couple hours often exceeds the legal 0.08% BAC limit. However, a 120 lb woman may only need 2-3 drinks to become that impaired.
Relying on drink counts alone is risky. Be sure to space out drinks, alternate with non-alcoholic beverages, eat enough food and monitor your level of impairment. Any signs like lack of coordination, slurred speech or poor judgment means you have likely had too much to drink safely. Always err on the side of caution rather than finding your limits the hard way. Know when to say when and have a plan to avoid driving after drinking.
