How Long Does Alcohol Stays in Your System? A Doctor Explains

Research has shown that alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, genes alone are not responsible for whether someone becomes an alcoholic. If you’ve had a drink or two, you might be wondering just how long that alcohol will stay in your system. If you want to minimize your chances of getting drunk, eat something with your drink and alternate between alcohol and a glass of water. Call your local emergency services if you suspect alcohol poisoning in a friend or loved one.

The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Understanding BAC and the rate that alcohol is metabolized by the system can help prevent the dangerous consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. However, if you’re someone who struggles to drink safely and in moderation, it may be time to seek professional help.

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Remember that alcohol stays in your system for a few hours, even if your mind feels clear. It’s also important to consider the short-term and long-term risks of drinking alcohol, and weigh the pros and cons before you drink. When you’re ready to quit or reduce the harm https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-long-does-alcohol-stay-in-your-system-blood-and-urine/ alcohol is causing to your health and life, there are many resources to help. Many people also turn to support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These groups, whether in-person or online, can help you feel supported and less alone as you navigate recovery.

• Some people of East Asian descent lack the enzymes necessary to break down alcohol.
• In a legal setting, such as after an accident or a suspected DUI, you’re likely to be given a breath test.
• The only way to deal with alcohol poisoning is by getting emergency medical attention.
• One phase is the acute form of alcohol poisoning caused mainly by binge drinking.

Small amounts of alcohol are also expelled through the urine, sweat and breath. Symptoms of intoxication appear differently from person to person and leave the body at different rates. Factors like body type, gender, eating and drinking water can all affect how long it takes to feel sober. Excessive drinking habits can also increase the amount of time it may take. For the most part, it takes roughly an hour for your body to metabolize 1 drink.

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According to a 2015 article, an estimated 50 percent of people with an alcohol use disorder go through withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. Doctors estimate that 3 to 5 percent of people will have severe symptoms. When alcohol enters your system, your body will begin to metabolise it. Metabolism is the body’s chemical process for breaking down a substance to be absorbed or used as energy. EtG is shorthand for ethyl glucuronide, a substance that’s created when the liver metabolizes alcohol. It’s generally used for situations where the timing of the drink doesn’t matter, such as when the individual is required to be completely abstinent.

Many people believe that an alcohol metabolite called ethyl glucuronide can be detected by ETG tests for about 80 hours. But a 2007 study published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism found that ETG tests failed to detect alcohol more than 26 hours after consumption. On average, it takes about one hour for the body to eliminate one standard drink.