In Lithuania, promille is used to determine blood alcohol concentration. For example, 2.5 promille (‰) means that 1 liter (1000 ml) of blood contains 0.25 ml (0.25%) pure alcohol.

Source: Cambridge Dictionary Online. "per mille".

Police breathalyzers typically register an error margin of 5% or less. For instance, if the breathalyzer shows 0.43 promille (‰), the adjusted value could vary by 0.0215 promille (‰), leading to a range of 0.415‰ to 0.445‰. This variation wouldn't exempt responsibility, as Lithuania's limit is 0.4‰.

Source: lkpt.policija.lrv.lt

The effects of alcohol vary based on body mass, gender, food intake, and overall health. On average, it takes 3 hours to process alcohol equivalent to 500 ml of beer (5%), 50 ml of vodka, or 200 ml of wine (12%).

For a reliable and popular breathalyzer, consider the ones used by the Lithuanian police. The most popular are produced by the German company Dräger, priced between €220 and €1000. More details can be found here.

It typically takes 5-8 hours to remove 1 promille of alcohol from the blood, depending on the individual, as the body removes 0.12-0.20 promille per hour.

Drinking water is the only way to dilute the concentration of alcohol in your body. While it doesn’t speed up the breakdown of alcohol, it can make you feel more sober and reduce promille levels.

According to the WHO, a standard alcohol unit (SAV) contains 8g or 10ml (1cl) of pure alcohol. It can be calculated as: alcohol volume (ml) x strength (%) x density (≈0.8g/l) / 10g. For example, 500ml of 5% beer equals 2 SAVs, 750ml of 12% wine equals 7 SAVs, and 500ml of 40% spirits equals 16 SAVs.

Source: drinkaware.co.uk

Alcohol detection times vary: in breath up to 24 hours, in urine 10-12 hours, in blood up to 12 hours, in saliva 1-5 days, and in hair up to 90 days.

Source: American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2013). Drug Testing: A White Paper of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

In Lithuania, alcohol can be sold to individuals aged 20 and above. Sales are allowed from 10 AM to 8 PM, including public holidays. On Sundays, sales are restricted to 3 PM.

Source: ntakd.lrv.lt

Alcohol is broken down in the liver by enzymes. Excessive consumption can lead to fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or even cirrhosis. These conditions can be irreversible, emphasizing the importance of moderation.

Source: Northwestern Medicine.

Long-term alcohol use can cause health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, neurological issues, and mental health disorders like depression. It also increases the risk of cancers such as liver and esophageal cancer.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) impacts behavior and cognitive functions. Lower BAC levels (0.02%-0.05%) cause mild relaxation, while high BAC levels (above 0.08%) impair motor skills, judgment, and increase the risk of aggression.

Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

While alcohol may temporarily make you feel relaxed, it can actually increase stress and anxiety in the long term. Furthermore, regular use as a “stress reliever” can lead to addiction.

Source: Healthline.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) has a significant impact on a person's behavior and cognitive functions. Different BAC levels cause various effects:

Low BAC levels (0.02% - 0.05%)

• Mild relaxation and improved mood may be felt [4]
• There might be slightly impaired decision-making [5]
• Behavior may become more pronounced – louder speaking, larger gestures [6]

Moderate BAC levels (0.05% - 0.08%)

• Attention and perception are impaired [2]
• Coordination of movements and reaction time worsens [2]
• Inhibition decreases, emotions become stronger [2]

High BAC levels (0.08% and above)

• Significant impairment of motor and cognitive functions [2]
• Speech becomes unclear, and balance is affected [6]
• Increased impulsivity and risk of aggression [3]
• Nausea and vomiting may occur [2]

Very High BAC levels (0.20% and above)

• Loss of consciousness and memory impairments may occur [2]
• Serious health risks arise, including breathing difficulties [6]
• At BAC above 0.40%, there is a risk of fatality [6]

It is important to note that the effects of alcohol may vary depending on individual factors such as weight, gender, and overall health condition [4].

Source>: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Key signs of alcohol problems include frequent drinking urges, loss of control, and drinking to improve mood or escape issues. These behaviors often negatively impact work, relationships, and health.

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).