How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?

You might think that once the buzz wears off, the alcohol is gone. But the reality is more complex. While online calculators can give you a rough idea, the exact time depends on your unique body. Understanding how your body processes alcohol—from how long it lingers in your saliva to how it shows up in urine tests—is key to making smart choices.

How Your Body Processes Alcohol

Your body treats alcohol like an unwanted guest. Your liver works hard to break it down, typically processing about one standard drink per hour. A standard drink is defined as:

• A 5-ounce glass of wine
• A 12-ounce beer
• A 1.5-ounce shot of spirits

Each of these contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol. Your liver uses enzymes to convert alcohol into acetaldehyde—a toxic substance—and then into harmless water and carbon dioxide. But this process isn’t instant, and many factors affect how quickly it happens.

Factors That Influence Alcohol Metabolism

No two people process alcohol exactly the same way. Here are some key factors that can speed up or slow down the process:

• Body weight and composition
• Sex and age
• Metabolic rate
• Food intake
• Type and amount of alcohol consumed
• Genetic factors
• Overall liver health
• Medications
• Hydration levels

Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) measures the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. For example, a BAC of 0.08% means there are 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Your BAC typically peaks 30-90 minutes after your last drink and decreases by about 0.015% per hour.

Effects at Different BAC Levels

As your BAC increases, so do the effects of alcohol:

• 0.030–0.059%: Mild relaxation and euphoria
• 0.08%: Legal driving limit in most states—significant impairment of coordination and judgment
• 0.200–0.299%: Confusion, nausea, and potential blackouts
• 0.400% and higher: Risk of coma or death

How Long Alcohol Stays Detectable

Alcohol can be detected in your system long after you stop feeling its effects:

• Blood: Up to 24 hours
• Breath: Up to 24 hours
• Saliva: Up to 12 hours
• Urine: 48-72 hours (up to 130 hours for heavy, chronic drinkers)
• Hair: Up to 90 days

Common Myths About Sobering Up

Despite what you might have heard, there are no shortcuts to sobering up. Coffee, cold showers, and exercise might make you feel more alert, but they don’t lower your BAC. Only time allows your liver to process alcohol at its natural pace.

Tips for Mindful Drinking

If you're looking to cut back or quit drinking, these strategies can help:

• Stay hydrated with water
• Eat before and during drinking
• Pace yourself—aim for one drink per hour or less
• Seek support from friends, family, or professionals
• Consider using tools like Quitemate for additional guidance

Long-Term Health Considerations

Heavy drinking over time can lead to serious health issues including liver disease, heart problems, and certain cancers. The CDC defines heavy drinking as:

• More than 3 drinks per day for women
• More than 4 drinks per day for men

Key Takeaways

• Your body processes alcohol at its own unique pace
• Alcohol remains detectable long after you feel sober
• There are no quick fixes for sobering up—only time works
• Understanding your limits and drinking mindfully is the safest approach