How many drinks can you have before you're drunk?


	From the TV series “Cheers”: COACH: How's a beer sound, Norm? NORM: I dunno'. I usually finish them before they get a word in.

Timing between drinks

“The liver can only process about 2 teaspoons of alcohol per HOUR.”

Timing is extremely important – not just in hangover prevention, but in determining when you shouldn’t drive.

You should always drink alcoholic beverages very slowly to allow your body the time it requires to process the alcohol. The liver can only process about 2 teaspoons of alcohol per HOUR. So, it takes the average adult 5-6 hours to completely metabolize the quantity of alcohol contained in 4 ounces of whiskey, or three 12 oz. beers. This means that all those rapid drinking games (funnels, shot races, and so on) are out!

Drink at the right time. While to some, anytime is the right time to drink, drinking while you are fatigued, ill, or stressed can make the condition worse. Your body is already functioning poorly and can’t process the alcohol as well as it normally can. Drinking while taking certain medications can also intensify the effects of alcohol.

Time your drinks. You should know your approximate tolerance level for alcohol. Set a maximum number of drinks for the evening, and once you reach it drink only water. Many people use the one drink per hour guideline, but everyone has different tolerance levels based on weight, height and other factors.

Always drink water between alcoholic beverages.

Blood Alcohol Chart (BAC level) as defined by the DMV: The following chart demonstrates the percent of alcohol in the blood in relation to body weight over time. ONE (1) drink is defined as 1 ounce of 100-proof liquor, one 4 ounce glass of wine, or one 10 ounce bottle of 5.7% beer.

Key

.01-.04%
May be DUI

.05 - .07%
Likely DUI

.08% and up
Definitely DUI

Blood Acohol Charts

For additional information and weight charts not listed, click here to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Which Food? l Which Drinks? l Aspirin & Vitamins l Timing

Hangover Causes
What is a hangover? What happens in your body to make you feel so ill? Which drinks are more likely to give you a hangover?

Hangover Symptoms
What does a hangover feel like and how does it compare to other illnesses?

Hangover Prevention
How can you prevent yourself from becoming ill when drinking alcohol?
What to Eat & Drink -
What should you eat and
drink to prevent a hangover?
Which Drinks Cause
Hangovers? - What type
of alcohol should you drink to
prevent a hangover?
Aspirin & Vitamins - Will
taking aspirin or vitamins help
prevent a hangover?
Timing Between Drinks -
How long should you wait
before having another drink?
Hangover Cures
So, you have a hangover - what can be done to get rid of or reduce the severity of the illness? Which hangover remedies do NOT work?

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