Imagine someone who has a job interview in the morning, but they had a drink with friends the night before. They might wonder if alcohol is still in their system, especially if there is a chance of a blood, urine, or breath test. People also ask this question before driving, medical exams, or participating in sports.
Alcohol detection is the process of measuring how much alcohol is present in the body. Metabolism is how the body breaks down and gets rid of the alcohol over time. On average, alcohol can be detected in the body for 6 to 72 hours, depending on the type of test. Blood tests can find alcohol for up to 12 hours, urine tests for 12 to 48 hours, and some special urine tests can detect alcohol for up to 5 days.
Each person’s body removes alcohol at a different rate. Factors include how much alcohol was consumed, how fast the person’s body processes it, age, weight, and other health conditions. Westwind Recovery® helps individuals and families understand alcohol’s effects and supports those seeking help in Los Angeles and beyond.
How Is Alcohol Detected in Blood, Urine, and Breath
The length of time alcohol stays in the body depends on the test used. It is common to ask, “How long does alcohol stay in your blood?” or “How long does alcohol last in your bloodstream?” Different tests have different detection windows.
| Test Type | Detection Window | What It Measures
|
| Blood | 6-12 hours | Direct alcohol content |
| Urine | 12-48 hours (up to 80 hours for EtG) | Alcohol and metabolites |
| Breath | 12-24 hours | Alcohol vapor from lungs |
Blood tests directly measure the amount of alcohol, or ethanol, in the bloodstream. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is highest about 30 to 90 minutes after drinking ends.
– Peak detection: 1 to 2 hours after the last drink
– Complete elimination: 6 to 12 hours for most people
– Factors affecting detection: Amount consumed, body weight, and speed of metabolism
Urine tests measure alcohol and its breakdown products. There are two types of urine tests: standard and EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide) tests.
– Standard urine tests: 12 to 24 hours
– EtG tests: Up to 80 hours after heavy drinking
– Why longer detection: Alcohol metabolites remain in urine longer than direct alcohol
Breathalyzers detect alcohol vapor from the lungs, not just from the mouth. This provides a snapshot of the current blood alcohol level.
– Detection window: 12 to 24 hours
– Most accurate: Within the first few hours after drinking
– Limitations: Results can be influenced by mouth alcohol or some medical conditions
How Fast Is Alcohol Metabolized by the Body
The average person metabolizes alcohol at a steady rate of about one standard drink per hour. A standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. This equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.
The liver is responsible for processing about 90% of the alcohol people consume. The process involves two main enzymes. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) changes alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is toxic. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) then breaks down acetaldehyde into substances the body can safely remove. The body reduces blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by about 0.015% per hour. Drinking coffee, water, or eating food does not make the liver metabolize alcohol faster.
Metabolism speed varies from person to person. Some people have genetic differences that make their enzymes less efficient at breaking down alcohol. Body size also plays a role. People with larger body weight generally metabolize alcohol faster than smaller people, because they have more body water to dilute the alcohol. Women typically metabolize alcohol more slowly than men because they usually have less alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme.
Several other factors influence how fast alcohol is metabolized. As people age, their metabolism slows, and alcohol is processed more slowly. Some medications can interfere with the enzymes that break down alcohol, causing it to stay in the system longer. Liver health is also important; a damaged liver cannot process alcohol as efficiently. Eating food before or with alcohol slows down its absorption but does not speed up its elimination from the body.
How Long Does It Take for Alcohol to Kick In
After someone drinks alcohol, it begins to enter the bloodstream through the digestive system. About 20% of alcohol is absorbed directly through the lining of the stomach. The remaining 80% is absorbed through the small intestine.
The time it takes to feel the effects of alcohol depends on several factors:
- Empty stomach: Effects are often noticed within 15-30 minutes.
- With food: The onset of effects is delayed to about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Drink strength: Higher-alcohol-content beverages are absorbed faster.
- Carbonation: Drinks like champagne or those mixed with soda may speed up absorption.
- Body composition: Individuals with less body water may experience intoxication more quickly.
Peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC) usually happens 30 to 90 minutes after the last drink, not after the first sip. This means the strongest effects are felt after the body has fully absorbed the alcohol from the most recent drink.
How Long Does Being Drunk Last
How long being drunk lasts depends on several factors, including how much alcohol is consumed, body size, metabolism, and whether food was eaten before or while drinking. The feeling of being drunk begins when alcohol reaches the brain and affects how the body and mind function, and this feeling fades as alcohol leaves the bloodstream.
Stages of intoxication and their typical timeframes are:
- Mild intoxication (0.02–0.05% BAC): 1–2 hours
- Moderate intoxication (0.05–0.10% BAC): 2–4 hours
- Severe intoxication (0.10%+ BAC): 4–8 hours or more
How long alcohol lasts in your body is not the same as how long a person feels drunk. Alcohol can still be detected in blood, breath, or urine even after the effects are no longer noticeable. Feeling sober does not mean all alcohol is gone from the system. Judgment, coordination, and reaction time can remain impaired after noticeable symptoms fade, so risks related to driving or decision-making may persist even if a person feels normal.
Does Coffee or Water Help Alcohol Leave Your System Faster
Many people believe that certain tricks can help alcohol leave the body faster, but these ideas are myths. The time it takes for alcohol to leave your system—often searched as “how long before alcohol is out of your system” or “how long until alcohol leaves your system”—is determined by how the liver works, not by home remedies or quick fixes.
- Coffee: Drinking coffee does not help the body break down alcohol faster. It might make a person feel more awake, but it does not change the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. Coffee can also make someone feel less impaired than they really are.
- Cold showers: Taking a cold shower does not speed up alcohol processing. The liver still works at the same pace, no matter the water temperature.
- Exercise: Working out does not help the body eliminate alcohol faster. Exercise does not change the rate of alcohol metabolism.
- Water: Drinking water can help with dehydration caused by alcohol, but it does not help the liver remove alcohol any faster.
- Food: Eating food before drinking can slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, but eating after drinking does not help the body remove alcohol any faster.
Only time allows the liver to remove alcohol from the body. On average, the liver can process about one standard drink per hour, no matter what actions are taken.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, California
Alcohol addiction is a medical condition that can affect anyone. Treatment for alcohol use disorder is available in Los Angeles and is designed to help individuals stop drinking safely and learn new ways of living without alcohol.
Westwind Recovery® provides a comprehensive approach to alcohol addiction treatment. The center is JCAHO-accredited and uses a holistic model that addresses both physical dependence and any underlying mental health issues.
- Medical detox: Medically supervised process to manage withdrawal symptoms and help the body clear alcohol safely.
- Inpatient programs: Residential care with 24/7 medical supervision and structured daily routines.
- Outpatient treatment: Flexible scheduling for therapy and support, allowing individuals to live at home and continue work or school.
- Therapy options: Individual, group, and family counseling to address emotional, behavioral, and relationship issues.
- Medication-assisted treatment: Use of FDA-approved medications to help reduce cravings and support ongoing recovery.
This approach recognizes that recovery involves more than just stopping alcohol use. Treatment plans are developed to support long-term recovery, including support for mental health conditions that may occur along with alcohol use disorder.
Your Path Forward With Westwind Recovery®
Westwind Recovery® provides support for those who want to understand their relationship with alcohol and explore options for change. Our team helps individuals learn about alcohol detection, metabolism, and how alcohol may affect the body and mind over time.
Westwind Recovery® offers comprehensive treatment in Los Angeles for those who experience challenges with alcohol use, including therapy and ongoing care. We are JCAHO-accredited, are a Dr. Phil Preferred Partner, and are recognized by Newsweek as one of the top addiction treatment centers.
For questions about alcohol use or to learn more about the programs available, contact us today to start your recovery journey or learn more about our programs.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). “Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder.” https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
