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Variability in breath alcohol concentration profiles during controlled social drinking
Ryan S O'connor1, Jennifer Wang1, Jay R Vargas1
1School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics, California State University Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032, United States.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|June 3, 2026
Summary
This study examined breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) during social drinking, finding varied absorption and elimination patterns. Results offer context for interpreting alcohol levels in real-world scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Controlled alcohol studies typically use standardized conditions.
- Real-world social drinking involves variable consumption and food intake.
- Understanding breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) variability is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize BrAC profiles under supervised social drinking conditions.
- To assess the impact of variable consumption and food intake on BrAC.
- To provide context for interpreting alcohol measurements in applied settings.
Main Methods:
- Forty-two adults consumed self-selected mixed drinks with ad libitum food access.
- Drinking duration varied significantly (45-172 minutes).
- BrAC was measured using an Intox EC/IR II until zero.
Main Results:
- Peak BrAC ranged from 0.040 to 0.117 g/210 L.
- Time to peak BrAC varied, with some delayed peaks observed.
- Alcohol elimination was generally linear post-peak, with a mean rate of 0.0186 g/210 L/hr.
Conclusions:
- Supervised social drinking yields diverse BrAC-time profiles.
- Absorption timing can be variable, sometimes showing multi-peak patterns.
- Findings enhance the interpretation of alcohol measurements in applied forensic and clinical settings.
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