How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System? Understanding Your Body's Processing Power

Alcohol, or party, many people like to consume with the company of friends and beverages, just how long do you think it remains in your system? If either you risk operating a vehicle under the influence of (DUI) or have an impending drug test, it’s important to know how alcohol is metabolized.

Understanding Alcohol Metabolism

It should also be noted that your liver plays the chief role when it comes to metabolizing alcohol. It is capable of handling one standard drink per hour on a scaled-down average. However, this rate can vary depending on several factors, including However, this rate can vary depending on several factors, including:

Body weight and composition: Metabolic tolerance is more significant for individuals who put on more weight, so they are capable of metabolizing alcohol more effectively.

Metabolic rate: The rate at which your body metabolizes calories also determines how Alcohol is processed in the body.

Gender: Overall metabolism of alcohol ranges between males and females, men in general have a higher concentration of alcohol dehydrogenase than women.

Food intake: Although eating increases the time it takes for alcohol to leave the stomach and thus its time to peak concentration in the blood, it helps in limiting the amount absorbed.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

BAC is the amount of alcohol in your blood. It is commonly used in the efficiency of DUI arrests and indicates your degree of drunkenness.

How long does alcohol stay in Your System?

The answer depends on the above-enumerated factors and the specific alcohol test that is being conducted. Here's a general timeframe:

Blood test: Up to 12 hours

Breath test: 12-24 hours

Urine test: It ranges from 12-48 hours depending on the test that is conducted.

Hair follicle test: It can take up to 90 days to produce positive results on alcohol and the kit can also pick past alcohol use.

The Body's Elimination Process

Finally, alcohol after being ingested flows through the stomach, into the small intestine, and then to the bloodstream. The liver metabolizes it and any unprocessed alcohol is expelled through the lungs, bladder, and skin.

Making Informed Choices

Knowledge always creates awareness, this is the awareness you need regarding how your body metabolizes alcohol. This knowledge can help you: This knowledge can help you:

Practice safe drinking: Responsible consumption means one should know his/her abilities and not exhaust himself/herself.

Avoid driving under the influence: Alcohol may still be found in the bloodstream many hours after the last drink so do not drink and drive.

Prepare for drug tests: Understanding the detection window of tests and prognosis also becomes possible when preparing for a test.

Alcohol has fatal effects on health when taken in large quantities. About this, one can be aware of some precautions that can reduce the risks of taking alcohol and safe time limits of the effects.

If You Need Help

However, if you or a loved one is having trouble consuming alcohol safely and responsibly, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Contact Orlando Treatment Solutions or call us today at (321) 415-3213 to learn about rehab options.