‘Tis the season to be jolly, but let’s not forget that holiday festivities come with a side of responsibility! As the snowflakes fall and the mistletoe hangs, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) to ensure that your merriment doesn’t turn into a legal headache. Arizona has some of the harshest DUI laws in the country. Most notably, DUIs in Arizona carry mandatory jail time—24 hours for a “regular” DUI (.08%) all the way up to 30 days for an extreme DUI (.20% and higher). Studies show that reaction times begin to slow at .02, which is just one or two drinks. By the time you are at a .08, consumers should expect a lack of concentration and trouble paying attention in addition to the slowed reaction times.

Now, what influences this festive BAC extravaganza? Picture this: you’re at the office holiday party, sipping on that eggnog-infused concoction, and suddenly your BAC starts doing the cha-cha. Factors like body weight, metabolism, and the number of gingerbread cookies you’ve consumed all play a role. It’s like a holiday recipe – a pinch of body weight, a dash of metabolism, and voila, a BAC brew that can either keep you on the nice list or land you in a legal tangle faster than Santa down a chimney. So, as you toast to good times, remember to toast responsibly, ensuring your holiday cheer doesn’t turn into a courtroom jeer!

Included below is a helpful chart that shows the impact that body weight can have on BAC:

The preceding article appeared in our December 2023 Newsletter, which you can download here.