The Seven Stages of Intoxication
Alcohol can have varying effects on individuals, leading to seven distinct stages of drunkenness. However, the way alcohol impacts a person’s brain and body can differ from one individual to another. The speed at which someone progresses through these stages typically relies on their tolerance level, which is influenced by various factors:
Stage 1: Sobriety, or Low-Level Intoxication
When it comes to alcohol consumption, there are different stages that a person goes through. In stage 1, also known as sobriety or low-level intoxication, the blood alcohol content (BAC) ranges from 0.01 to 0.05 percent. It’s important to note that at this stage, an individual is technically not considered drunk at all.
If someone consumes one alcoholic drink or less per hour, they will generally remain sober or experience only minimal intoxication. In the United States, for individuals who are of legal drinking age (at least 21 years old), operating a motor vehicle is permissible within legal limits during this stage.