Drunk driving is a dangerous activity, plain and simple (as well as obvious). Once people consume alcohol, the drug begins to surge through their brains and stimulate the release of dopamine and, ultimately, impairs their judgement and reflexes. Obviously, the last thing intoxicated people should do is get behind the wheel of car, as they are putting themselves and other people at risk for a painful accident or death. However, when do you actually become impaired? Does it take place after the consumption of one or more bottles of alcohol or does it take place before a person exceeds the established limit? Let’s take a closer look at the true risks of drunk driving.
U.S. Limits for Drunk Driving
Across all U.S. states and in the capital, the established limit for blood-alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08, which can easily be achieved after 2 drinks (for a 120-pound female) and 4 drinks (for a 180-pound male). In regards to the drinks, a standard drink can be a shot of liquor or a 5-ounce glass of wine or beer. In other words, you can reach the “dangerous limit” long before you become intoxicated. (Did you know that people who drive with a BAD of 0.08 or higher are 11 times more likely to be involved in a single-alcohol crash than a non-drinker who is driving?)
Moving down the Chain
To give you an example of how this process works, here is how your body becomes impaired after you consume more and more alcohol:
- 02 BAC: People lose the ability to think clearly and experience a loss of sight and multitasking.
- 05 BAC: Behavior starts to change, and people will lose control of their muscles. At this point, people will also lose the ability to track fast-moving objects.
- 08 BAC: At the limit of legal intoxication, a person loses all control over their motor movements, reflexes, vision, judgement, and resistance.
Given this fact, drunk driving is yet another terrible peg on the ladder of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Always remember that alcohol and drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or addiction troubles today.
