Signs of Intoxication Flashcards

Which of the following is NOT a reliable indicator of intoxication?

Answer: The type of drink ordered

The type of drink ordered (beer vs. cocktail vs. wine) is not a reliable indicator of intoxication. A person drinking beer can be just as intoxicated as someone drinking spirits. Observable physical and behavioural signs are more reliable.

How does body weight affect alcohol absorption?

Answer: Heavier people generally reach a lower BAC from the same amount of alcohol

A heavier person generally reaches a lower BAC from the same amount of alcohol because the alcohol is distributed across more body mass and fluids.

What is a sign that a patron may have been drinking before arriving at the establishment?

Answer: They display signs of intoxication despite having consumed few or no drinks at the establishment

If a patron shows signs of intoxication but has consumed few or no drinks at your establishment, they likely consumed alcohol before arriving. This is important to note because you are still responsible for not serving an intoxicated person.

What role does gender play in alcohol metabolism?

Answer: Women generally reach higher BAC levels than men from the same amount of alcohol due to body composition differences

Women generally reach higher BAC levels from the same amount of alcohol due to typically having a higher percentage of body fat, less body water, and lower levels of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase.

What is the significance of a patron's eyes becoming glazed or unfocused?

Answer: It is a physical sign of intoxication affecting the nervous system

Glazed or unfocused eyes are a physical sign of intoxication. Alcohol affects the nervous system, including the muscles that control eye focus and movement.

Why should servers be cautious about relying solely on counting drinks to assess intoxication?

Answer: Individual factors like body weight, food intake, and tolerance mean the same number of drinks affects people differently

Drink counting alone is insufficient because individual factors such as body weight, food consumption, medications, fatigue, and personal tolerance all affect how the same number of drinks impacts different people.