Blood alcohol content (%BAC) measures how much alcohol is in the bloodstream; the higher this percentage is, the more impaired you’ll be. Many factors can contribute to a high or low reading, even if you drink the same amount as your companions. Alcohol testing will inform employers and authorities if yours is too high, so play it safe and know your limits. The guide below looks at what influences one’s test results.

Factors That Contribute to BAC

Of the factors that affect BAC, the amount of alcohol you drink and how quickly you drink is the most important. Keep in mind that some drinks are more potent than others, with an eight-ounce glass of wine being approximately equal to 1.5 ounces of 100 proof hard liquor (whiskey, gin, vodka, tequila, etc.) if consumed in the same time frame. Another key factor is how much you eat and drink before, during, and after consuming alcohol. Food can help slow down the amount of time it takes your body to absorb the alcohol, and water can dilute it even further.

Why BAC Differs by Person 

Differences between body types, genders, and ages can all also affect how intoxicated people may become. When consuming the same amount of drinks at the same time as your peers, someone who is smaller (weighs less) or older than you will most likely have a higher BAC. This is due, in part, to water content in the body and the body’s ability to process alcohol in general. Women tend to have less mass and, therefore, less water in them to dilute alcohol when compared to men. Slower metabolism also makes it harder for the liver to rid the body of alcohol, leading to a higher BAC.

What Can I Do to Lower BAC? 

Exercising, drinking coffee, and taking cold showers are often encouraged to sober up or get rid of a hangover. While these activities may help you feel more alert and “sober,” they don’t affect your level of impairment. Therefore, don’t risk driving or operating heavy machinery if you have had any consumption of alcohol. Any person working under DOT safety sensitive regulations face stricter legal requirements—with serious consequences for those whose alcohol testing results show they were working with 0.04% BAC or greater. Usually, waiting one and a half hours per drink may be enough to get the drinks out of one’s body. But, as a reminder, it is a violation of DOT regulations to consume any alcohol within 4 hours of duty. Maybe consider investing in a pocket breathalyzer to make sure you are not impaired as even one drink affects the brain.

Artesia Drug and Alcohol Screening in Eddy County, NM, helps employers keep their company and personnel safe through efficient, reliable alcohol testing. Their DOT qualified substance abuse professionals can help you create a drug testing package that suits your needs. For more information on screenings and DOT SAP services, call (575) 746-3404 or visit their website.