Watch Your BAC
Estimate Your Blood Alcohol Content
You can use this calculator to estimate the level of alcohol in your system, or your blood alcohol content. The calculator uses the Widmark formula to determine your level of intoxication.
In North Carolina, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. However, if you feel any effect from drinking at all, do not drive.
Alcohol Risk Reduction Strategies
- Go Low and Slow
- Having a smaller quantity of alcohol over a longer period of time is less risky than consuming a lot in a short while! This helps keep your B.A.C., or blood alcohol concentration, lower. Remember it’s a hike, not a race. Going “low and slow” can help reduce the risk of alcohol poisoning.
- Keep Track
- Set informed limits for yourself about how much alcohol you are comfortable consuming (even if that means none!) Most individuals who consume alcohol report having 1-2 standard drinks is less risky than 3 or more in a row. Keeping track can help you stick to a lower number.
- Measure
- Know the standard drink sizes so you can count your drinks accurately. Standard drink sizes are: 12 ounces of beer at 5% alcohol, 4-5 ounces of wine at 12% alcohol, or 1.5 ounces of liquor at 40% alcohol. Consuming more concentrated alcohol can come with more risks. Measuring drinks can help you understand exactly how many drinks you have actually had!
- Include Food
- Eat a substantial meal before and during drinking to slow the rate of alcohol absorption. This helps slow down how fast the alcohol hits your system.
- Know Your “No”
- How will you turn down a drink when you don’t want one? Know when you are comfortable or have had enough. Remember, alcohol takes around an hour to reach peak effects. Waiting, spacing, and taking it slow can help you get a more accurate picture of how alcohol is impacting you.