Final answer:
Someone under 21 is under the influence of alcohol typically when their BAC exceeds legal limits for intoxication. The legal drinking age is set by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 at twenty-one, influenced by advocacy from MADD. Alcohol effects can range from euphoria to severe impairment, depending on consumption and individual factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When someone under the age of 21 is under the influence of alcohol, this typically means that their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) has reached the legal definition of intoxication or impairment. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 requires states to set their minimum drinking age to twenty-one, with some variations existing due to state control over alcohol regulation. A person begins to experience alcohol intoxication generally after consuming two or more alcoholic drinks, with the BAC levels required for a legal definition of intoxication ranging between 0.025-0.080% in the United States.
Mothers Against Dr_unk Driving (MADD) played a crucial role in lobbying for this Act, aiming to reduce alcohol-related incidents among youth. Alcohol can cause a variety of changes in consciousness, from mild euphoria at lower doses to sedation and impaired judgement at higher doses. However, some suggest foreign nations with more liberal alcohol laws promote more responsible attitudes toward consumption.
The immediate effects of alcohol depend on the individual's BAC, which can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, health conditions, and the amount of alcohol consumed. At certain levels, alcohol can lead to acute intoxication, unconsciousness, and even death. It's important to note that if alcohol is consumed, it should be done so in moderation and only by those of legal drinking age.