A Guide to Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration and Alcohol Impairment

Q: What is “BAC”?

A: The amount of alcohol in a person’s body is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a
certain volume of blood (measured in grams per deciliter). This is called blood alcohol
concentration or “BAC.” Alcohol is absorbed directly through the walls
of the stomach and the small intestine goes into the bloodstream and travels throughout
the body and to the brain.

Alcohol is quickly absorbed and can be measured within 30 to 70 minutes after a person
has had a drink.