Intoxication
Posted on:1/9/2006
| In small amounts, ethanol causes a mild euphoria and removes inhibitions. |
In small amounts, ethanol causes a mild euphoria and removes inhibitions. In large doses, ethanol acts as a central nervous system depressant and causes drunkenness, generally at a blood ethanol content of about 0.1%. At higher contents, alcohol causes intoxication, coma and death. A blood ethanol content above 0.4% can be fatal, although regular heavy drinkers can tolerate somewhat higher levels than non-drinkers. Eight to ten drinks per hour is considered a fatal dosage for the average 54 kg (119 lb.) person. One drink is equivalent to one shot of 40% abv (80 proof) liquor, one 12 US fl oz (355 ml) beer, or one 4–5 US fl oz (120–150 ml) glass of wine.