Stage 4: Confusion
Alcohol Intoxication Level: 0.18–0.30 percent BAC
Once a man consumes more than five drinks per hour, and a woman consumes more than four, they enter the stage of alcohol intoxication known as “confusion”. In this stage, a person may experience the following:
- Blackouts: It is common for someone in the confusion stage to black out, meaning they drift in and out of consciousness without falling asleep. During these blackouts, the individual will usually have no recollection of any events that occurred because the brain ceases to record memories during this time.
Stage 5: Stupor
When an individual reaches stage five of alcohol intoxication, their blood alcohol content (BAC) typically ranges from 0.25 to 0.4 percent. At this point, they become unresponsive to their surroundings and are unable to maintain their balance, making it impossible to walk or stand. In some cases, they may lose consciousness entirely and experience a loss of control over bodily functions. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for someone in this state, particularly if their ability to breathe is compromised. The risk of choking on vomit becomes a serious concern, as alcohol intoxication suppresses the gag reflex.