Wondering how long alcohol stays in your body? Learn about detection times, factors that affect it, and why only time can sober you up.

Alcohol affects everyone differently, and one of the most common questions people ask is: How long does alcohol stay in the body? The answer depends on several factors such as age, weight, gender, metabolism, and how much you drink. Knowing this is important for health, safety, and even legal reasons.

How Alcohol is Processed in the Body

Once you drink, alcohol enters your bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. The liver does most of the work of breaking it down, but it can only process about one standard drink per hour. If you drink faster than your body can metabolize, the excess remains in your blood, causing intoxication.

Average Time Alcohol Stays in the Body

Here’s how long alcohol can generally be detected:

♦ Blood: Up to 12 hours

♦ Breath: 12–24 hours (via breathalyzer tests)

♦ Urine: 12–48 hours (up to 80 hours with advanced tests)

♦ Saliva: 12–24 hours

♦ Hair: Up to 90 days

These are averages and can vary based on individual differences and testing methods.

Factors That Influence How Long Alcohol Stays

♦ Amount of Alcohol Consumed – More drinks mean more time for your body to process.

♦ Body Weight & Composition – People with higher body mass may metabolize alcohol faster.

♦ Gender – Women generally process alcohol more slowly due to lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (an enzyme in the stomach and liver).

♦ Age & Health – Younger, healthier livers break down alcohol more efficiently.

♦ Food Intake – Drinking on an empty stomach speeds up absorption.

Can You Speed Up Alcohol Elimination?

Contrary to popular belief, drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or exercising will not speed up alcohol metabolism. The liver needs time, and only time helps your body get sober. Staying hydrated, eating food, and resting may reduce side effects like hangovers, but they don’t lower your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Why It Matters

♦ Health: Regular heavy drinking can harm your liver, brain, and overall health.

♦ Driving: Even if you “feel fine,” alcohol may still be in your system and affect your reaction time.

♦ Workplace & Legal Issues: Many jobs require alcohol testing for safety reasons.

Bottom line: Alcohol typically stays in your body for hours to days, depending on the test and individual factors. The only true way to sober up is to give your body time to process it. Drink mindfully and plan ahead for your safety.