Ever ask yourself “how long does alcohol stay in your system?” Your liver works like a clock, ticking away at about one drink per hour. That’s the baseline, no matter the toast or the roast.

But here’s the twist: Your body’s build and your history with the bottle play a part.

So, what’s the sobering truth?

Time is your only ally. Forget the myths of cold showers or caffeine kicks. It’s all about giving your liver the hours it needs to do its job.

Curious about the specifics? Read on as we dive into the details of alcohol’s stay in your system.

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your Body?

The liver purges roughly 0.015 grams alcohol per 100 ml of blood hourly, which is roughly one standard drink. When you drink, a tiny fraction of alcohol, 2-5%, exits via breath and sweat. The lion’s share, however, over 90%, is metabolized by the liver. [1]

Alcohol will generally remain in various parts of the body for the following amounts of time.

• In the bloodstream for up to 12 hours
• On the breath for 12-24 hours
• In Urine for 12-24 hours and as much as 72 hours for heavy users
• In saliva for up to 12 hours
• In the hair for anywhere from 3 to 6 months

Will Screening Tests Show I Drank Alcohol?

If a prospective or current employer requires you to get a drug screening, you’re probably wondering how long does alcohol stay in your system for a drug test?

Blood Test

A blood test can be used to answer “how long does alcohol stay in your blood system?”

A blood test can also determine if you’ve been drinking recently by detecting the presence of alcohol in your blood for up to 12 hours after you’ve consumed it. You are considered legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol content is over 0.08% and very impaired if it measures between 0.08 – 40%. [2]

Urine Test

How long does alcohol stay in your system for a urine test can be determined in 3 different ways.

The first is an EtOH test that measures ethyl alcohol, or alcohol that has not been metabolized by the body. This test can detect the presence of alcohol for up to 12 hours after you’ve been drinking.

The other two tests involve measuring the alcohol metabolites EtG (ethyl glucuronide) and EtS (ethyl sulfate) that determine the amount of metabolized alcohol in your system. These tests are very sensitive and can detect the presence of alcohol for up to 80 hours after drinking.

Breath Test

How long does alcohol stay in your system drug tests come in 2 forms, a preliminary alcohol screening test (PAS) and an evidential breath test (EBT).

What Is the PAS Test?

The PAS test is commonly used by police on the scene to test for drunk driving. This is done by using a handheld electronic device with a disposable mouthpiece that measures the concentration of alcohol in the lungs by requiring you to blow into it.

The results are color coded on the device to correspond with zero, pass, warn, and fail. Anyone failing the test is arrested and brought to the station for an EBT test.

What Is EBT?

An EBT test uses a larger, stationary device that records more reliable samples of deep lung or alveolar air. The subject keeps inhaling and exhaling until the alcohol level recorded on the device stabilizes.

Saliva Test

Saliva tests can help answer “how long does alcohol stay in your system.” It uses either chemically treated strips or a device to test for the level of alcohol in your body.

This test is an immediate, easy, and non-intrusive way to detect the presence of alcohol in a person’s system for up to 12-24 hours after they have consumed it. This makes a saliva test a very fast and accurate means for determining if a person has recently been drinking alcohol.

Hair Test

How long does alcohol stay in your system so that a hair test can still detect it?

As the name implies, a hair test is performed by measuring a sample of body hair for ethyl glucuronide (EtG). This test is usually accurate, though if the person has had any cosmetic hair treatments like bleaching or perming the results will be affected.

Depending on the size of the hair sample taken, from a follicle to longer stands, a person’s alcohol consumption can be detected for anywhere between 1-6 months.

What Affects How Long Alcohol Stays in Your System?

Your gender, the food you eat while drinking alcohol, how much muscle or fat you have, your health status, and the medicine you’re taking determines how long alcohol is metabolized or stays in your body. This is all measured using blood alcohol concentration or BAC.

BAC measures the alcohol percentage in your bloodstream. A BAC of 0.10% means that 0.10% of your blood is alcohol. Your drinking speed, food intake, and unique enzymes affect your BAC. Your liver processes alcohol at a steady pace, about 10 grams per hour. [3]

Gender

Gender influences both how intoxicated you get, as well as how long alcohol stays in your system.

There are three essential factors that make women more susceptible to getting intoxicated than men when the same amount of alcohol is consumed.

• Enzyme levels: Due to a 50% higher concentration of alcohol dehydrogenase in the stomachs of men, much less alcohol makes it to the small intestines. More alcohol getting to a woman’s small intestine thus makes her BAC about 7% higher than a man of equal weight drinking the same amount during the same period. [1]

• Body Size and Composition: Because more blood flows through muscle than fat, the increased muscle mass in a man generally dilutes his BAC. Fat has much less blood, so the larger ratio of body fat in women increases their BAC.

• Fluids: A man’s body is 55 to 65% water while a woman’s is only 45-50%. This results in a higher BAC % in women.

Food

Having food in your stomach generally affects both how drunk you get along with how long alcohol stays in your system. A person who eats before drinking will take about 1-6 hours to reach a high BAC, while someone drinking on an empty stomach will reach peak BAC in ½ to 2 hours.

Body Composition

Usually, a person with a higher concentration of body fat will reach a higher BAC level quicker because fat doesn’t have much water and will not absorb much alcohol. As a result, a leaner, more muscular person will take longer to reach a peak BAC. 

Health Conditions

Health conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, or stomach will all have an effect on how your body processes alcohol, as well as how long does alcohol stay in your system.

Medication

Consuming alcohol when taking certain medications may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. There is also a chance that you can develop internal bleeding, experience difficulty breathing, or even develop heart problems.

Can You Make Alcohol Leave Your Body Faster?

In spite of many popular beliefs to the contrary, cold showers and drinking lots of coffee or water will not speed up the metabolism of alcohol in your body. 

Nothing will speed up the rate of detoxification, though alcohol metabolism can be slowed by medications or liver damage. You can also increase your drinking tolerance over time, which might make it seem that you’re recovering quicker, but it is still taking your liver the same amount of work to do the same job.

Best Alcohol Alternatives That Help You Relax

The most effective way to remove alcohol from your system is to not have it in the first place. However, you still want the sedating effect of alcohol, so we researched the best alcohol alternatives that won’t leave your head feeling like it’s having a personal earthquake.

1. Super Speciosa Super Feels

Super Speciosa offers the “Super Feels Chill Vibes: Kava & Kratom Shot,” a blend of kratom and kava extracts designed for relaxation.

How to Use Super Speciosa

Shake the bottle well, start with half a serving, and wait 30 minutes to gauge the effects. Limit use to 2 servings per day.

Price

• 1 bottle (60ml): $12.99
• 12 bottles (720ml): $119.99

>> Relax with Super Speciosa Super Feels

2. FOCL Feel Good Drops

Feel Good Drops is a brand offering Full Spectrum+ CBD products designed to promote relaxation, focus, and pain relief. Their drops contain a blend of CBD, THC, and terpenes, ensuring a potent and effective experience.

How to Use Feel Good Drops

To experience the benefits, take half to 1 full dropper. Results kick in after about 30 minutes. It’s crucial to start with a low dose and increase gradually, always keeping an eye on your body’s response.

Price

• Single Bottle: $79.00
• 3-Pack: Save 20%, priced at $63.20 each
• Subscription: 20% off, free shipping, 60-day guarantee, and double rewards points

>>Relax with FOCL Feel Good Drops

3. Kratom Country Kratom Extract Shots

Kratom Country specializes in providing Red Vein Thai Kratom Extract Shots. These shots contain 150mg of Mitragynine each, offering a potent and fast-acting option for experienced kratom users.

How to Use Kratom Country Extract Shots

Start with a small dose, around 20-30 mg, and consult your doctor. The extract shots are designed for quick absorption and long-lasting effects.

Price

• 3 Amp: $39.90
• 5 Amp: $59.90
• 10 Amp: $119.90
• 15 Amp: $180.90

>>Relax with Kratom Country Kratom Extract Shots

4. Kratom Country Kratom Tea

Kratom Country Kratom Tea is a potent variety of kratom, packed with over 40 alkaloids that may offer benefits like pain and stress relief, along with cognitive enhancement. It’s a powerhouse from Bali, traditionally used for both recreational and spiritual purposes.

How to Use Kratom Country Kratom Tea

You can enjoy Kratom Country Kratom Tea in several ways: brew it into a tea, use the toss-and-wash method, or opt for capsules. It’s versatile and user-friendly, catering to both new and experienced users.

Price

• 1 Oz: $7.47
• 4 Oz: $21.99
• 8 Oz: $40.99
• 16 Oz: $71.99
• 32 Oz: $116.99

>>Relax with Kratom Country Kratom Tea

5. CRYO Kratom Kratom Shots

CRYO Kratom is a brand offering a potent kratom extract in liquid form, designed to provide tranquility and peacefulness. Their Gold Extract stands out with a high concentration of mitragynine, the active compound in kratom.

How to Use CRYO Kratom

To experience its benefits, add one ampoule of CRYO Kratom Gold Extract to your drink. It’s suitable for post-workout recovery, mental relaxation, or calming nerves before travel.

Price

• $12.00 per serving
• Subscribe and save 20%, plus an extra 30% off with code EXTRA30
• Available in bulk up to 50, with free shipping on orders over $25

>>Relax with CRYO Kratom Shots

Some also use these products for alcohol addiction treatment.

Experiencing a Hangover? Try The Best Hangover Pills in 2024

If you need to know what to drink to get over a hangover as quickly as possible, we gathered the best of the best hangover pills in 2024 below.

1. Myrkl

Myrkl is a pre-drinking supplement designed to support liver health and ensure a better morning after socializing. It’s crafted for responsible adults who want to enjoy their night without compromising the next day.

How to Use Myrkl

Take 2 capsules daily before drinking. Store in a dry place at room temperature, and keep out of children’s reach.

Price

• Single Purchase: $34.50 for 15 doses.
• Subscription: Save 20% and get free delivery over $25.

2. BetterMorning

BetterMorning® is a hangover relief remedy designed to alleviate post-drinking symptoms like headaches and nausea, while supporting liver detoxification.

How to Use BetterMorning

Take BetterMorning capsules before, during, or after drinking to mitigate hangover effects. The product comes in a bottle with 42 capsules and a box of disposable sachets for on-the-go convenience.

Price

• One Time: $39.95 for a single purchase.
• Subscription: $31.96 per order, saving you 20%.

3. Flyby Recovery Capsules

Flyby is your go-to recovery companion, offering post-party relief capsules that help you bounce back with ease after a night of celebration.

How to Use Flyby

Simply take 3 capsules with food and water before your night out, and another 3 before you hit the bed. It’s that easy to keep post-drinking woes at bay.

Price

• One time purchase: $31.47 for a one-time purchase
• Subscribe and save 15% at $26.75.

4. H-PROOF The Anytime You Drink Vitamin

H-PROOF is a chewable tablet designed to support alcohol metabolism, promote liver health, and boost immunity. It’s the brainchild of Dr. Linda J. Kaplan, MD, who used her medical expertise to create this unique supplement.

How to Use H-PROOF

Simply chew 2 tablets after your last drink to help your body process alcohol efficiently and wake up feeling refreshed.

Price

• One bottle: $59.00 for 40 tablets, which comes down to $1.48 per count.
• Money-Back Guarantee: Try it risk-free with a 30-day full refund policy.

5. Cheers Restore

Not to be confused with the famous American sitcom, Cheers is a brand that offers a range of supplements designed to reduce the negative effects of alcohol consumption. Their products are backed by scientific research and aim to support overall liver health.

How to Use Cheers

Take 2–4 capsules after drinking or before bed to help your body metabolize alcohol more efficiently and wake up feeling better.

Price

• One-Time Purchase: A single purchase costs $35.
• Subscription Savings: Save $5 on monthly shipments, priced at $30 with free shipping.

FAQs About Alcohol

We recognize the importance of making this guide as helpful as possible, so we added the most asked questions below and answered them with the most updated information available.

How Long Does It Take for All Traces of Alcohol To Leave Your Body?

A standard drink is defined as a 12 ounce serving of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof spirits and takes about 25 hours to be totally cleared from your body.

If you have several standard drinks over a period of time, it can take up to 72 hours for the body to eliminate all the alcohol completely from your system

Will a Sip of Alcohol Show up in a Urine Test?

If we’re talking about a literal sip, common sense might suggest it’s unlikely. In general, alcohol will appear in the urine less than an hour after consumption. Its highest concentration will appear approximately 5.5 hours later, though traces of alcohol may appear in your urine for days afterwards depending on the amount you drank.

How Fast Does Alcohol Metabolize?

The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control defines the normal rate of alcohol metabolism, or how long does alcohol stay in your system, as 1 standard drink per hour. Scientifically speaking, this translates to about 0.015 grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood hourly.

How Long Does EtG Stay in Your Urine?

Ethyl Glucuronide or EtG is detectable in the urine much longer than it is using either a blood test or a breathalyzer. After several drinks EtG can be present in the urine for as long as 48 hours, or even as much as 72 hours with heavy drinking.

Final Thoughts

Occasional drinks are a norm, from dinner wine to a post-work beer. Still, the lingering time of alcohol in the system rarely crosses minds. This knowledge has become vital, given the prevalence of workplace screenings. Drug and alcohol tests are now standard for many job applications.

Our goal was to illuminate essential alcohol testing information. With these insights, probation drug tests at prospective jobs won’t catch you off guard. Now, you’re equipped with the knowledge to face any related job screening.

Here’s to understanding alcohol’s stay in your system—cheers to clarity and peace of mind!

References

1. Paton A. (2005). Alcohol in the body. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 330(7482), 85–87. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.330.7482.85
2. Tasnim, S., Tang, C., Musini, V. M., & Wright, J. M. (2020). Effect of alcohol on blood pressure. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 7(7), CD012787. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012787.pub2
3. Dilley, J. E., Nicholson, E. R., Fischer, S. M., Zimmer, R., & Froehlich, J. C. (2018). Alcohol Drinking and Blood Alcohol Concentration Revisited. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research, 42(2), 260–269. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13549