How Drunk Am I? Why You May Not Know, and How To Figure It Out
Have you ever been out with a friend who was clearly drunk but insisted they were only tipsy—or nearly sober? It can be frustrating, especially if they start acting recklessly or try to drive. Maybe you’ve even been that friend. But why is it so hard to figure out how drunk you are?
If you’ve ever wondered, “How drunk am I?” or “How can I tell if I’m drunk?” you’re not alone. Below, we explore why gauging your own intoxication level is tricky, and what tools and tips can help.
Why You Might Not Know You’re Drunk
When someone claims they’re “just tipsy” while clearly intoxicated, it’s easy to assume they’re in denial. But alcohol doesn’t just impair coordination—it also clouds judgment.
A 2016 study from BMC Public Health asked people to estimate how drunk they were. Researchers then compared that to their actual blood alcohol levels. The surprising finding: people judged their own drunkenness based on those around them. If everyone else was drunk, they felt sober by comparison.
So if you’re out with heavy drinkers, you’re more likely to underestimate your own level of intoxication.
How To Tell If You’re Drunk
Here are some practical ways to assess your level of intoxication:
1. Look for Physical and Behavioral Signs
Try to pause for a moment and check in with yourself. Signs that you may be drunk include:
- Slurred speech
- Loss of balance
- Feeling hot or flushed
- Shortened attention span
- Acting louder, riskier, or more impulsive than usual
2. Count Your Drinks
Your body can typically process one standard drink per hour. That’s:
- 12 oz. of beer (5% alcohol)
- 5 oz. of wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 oz. of spirits (40% alcohol)
If you’ve had multiple drinks in a short time, you may be more intoxicated than you feel—especially if you haven’t eaten recently.
You may be binge drinking if:
- You’re a man who has 5+ drinks in 2 hours
- You’re a woman who has 4+ drinks in 2 hours
Learn more: Drinking Levels Defined
3. Try a Balance Test
This quick physical check can give you insight into your coordination:
- Find a straight line on the ground (or use tape/shoelace)
- Walk heel-to-toe for 9 steps
- Turn and walk back the same way
If you stumble, need to steady yourself, or can’t stay aligned, you may be too impaired to trust your judgment.
4. Use a Personal Breathalyzer
The most reliable way to assess your intoxication level is with a breathalyzer. Devices like these can give you an accurate BAC (blood alcohol content) reading in seconds. Programs like Ria Health include a smartphone-connected breathalyzer with membership.
5. Try an Online BAC Calculator
Online tools can provide a rough estimate of your BAC based on your:
- Sex
- Weight
- Number and type of drinks
- Duration of drinking
Example BACs:
- 180-lb male, 2 beers in 1 hour → BAC ~0.033%
- 140-lb female, 3 glasses of wine in 2 hours → BAC ~0.072%
Note: These are estimates and don’t replace real-time measurements.
6. Know What BAC Levels Mean
Understanding what different BAC levels mean can help you interpret the results from a breathalyzer or calculator:
- Around 0.02%, you may feel more relaxed or slightly warm.
- At 0.05%, judgment and alertness begin to decline.
- By 0.08%, the legal limit for driving in the U.S., coordination and motor control are significantly impaired.
- Above 0.10%, symptoms like slurred speech, poor balance, and possible blackouts can occur.
Even if you don’t feel very intoxicated, your BAC level could still mean you’re too impaired to drive or make safe decisions.
How To Avoid Getting Too Drunk
Preventing over-intoxication is often easier than gauging it in the moment. Here’s how:
- Stick with friends who drink moderately or don’t drink
- Avoid binge drinking—4+ drinks (women) or 5+ (men) in 2 hours
- Alternate with water between alcoholic drinks
- Use a breathalyzer to track your BAC throughout the night
Bottom Line: Can You Tell When You’re Drunk?
It’s surprisingly easy to misjudge your own level of intoxication—especially when you’re drinking with others. But with the tools above, including signs, balance tests, and BAC checks, you can make more informed decisions.
If you’re frequently wondering how drunk you are—or losing track of your limits—it may be a sign to take a closer look at your drinking habits.
Ria Health offers telemedicine-based support for people who want to drink less or quit entirely. Our program includes a connected breathalyzer, coaching, medication options, and medical care—all from your phone.
Ready to take control? Learn how Ria Health works or schedule a free call to get started.
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