How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?
How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?
Alcohol is a widely consumed substance, and many people may be curious about how long it can stay in the body. On average, it takes about one hour for the body to metabolize one standard drink (0.6 ounces of pure alcohol). But this does not mean it completely leaves the system within an hour. The time it takes for alcohol to leave the body can vary greatly from person to person.1
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How to Detect Alcohol in the Body
How long does alcohol stay in your system, and how is it detected? Alcohol can be detected through many different tests. It can be detected in the breath, urine, saliva, blood, and even hair.2
Breath
Urine
Blood
Saliva
Hair
How Does the Body Remove Alcohol?
First Step
Second Step
How Long Does It Take to Feel Effects?
Euphoria
Loss of Inhibitions
Impaired Walking (Ataxia)
Slowed Reaction Time
Factors That Affect Detection Time
Genetics
Sex
Body Fat
Food Consumption
Medications
Symptoms of Alcohol Overdose
Seizures are one of the most common symptoms of alcohol overdose. Attacks can occur due to the depressant effects of alcohol on the brain. The episodes can be mild or severe and include symptoms such as convulsions, muscle contractions, and loss of consciousness.
Additional Symptoms of Alcohol Overdose
- Confusion
- Bradycardia (Slow heart rate)
- Difficulty staying conscious or passing out
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Low body temperature
- Vomiting
- Cyanosis (bluish skin color)
- Dehydration
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Treatment for alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder, typically involves a combination of approaches, including:
- Behavioral therapy: This includes counseling and therapy to help individuals understand and change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to alcohol use.
- Medications: Several FDA-approved medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol addiction.
- Support groups: Support groups can provide social and emotional support and a sense of community for individuals in recovery.
- Inpatient and outpatient treatment: Inpatient treatment programs provide a controlled environment for individuals to detox and begin their recovery. While outpatient treatment programs allow individuals to continue to live at home and receive treatment regularly.
Getting Help at Ripple Ranch Recovery
We offer a variety of treatment options, and our highly-trained, compassionate staff will make sure that your treatment program is specifically tailored to you and your needs. Our structured, supportive environment can help you measure your progress toward recovery each and every day. For more information on “ how long does alcohol stay in your system” and available treatment options, call us today.
Resources
- 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436003/
- 2 https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
- 3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459334/
- 4 https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
- 5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31649957/
- 6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557381/
- 7 https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/alcohol-medication-interactions-potentially-dangerous-mixes#:~:text=Alcohol%20and%20medications%20have%20the%20potential%20to%20interact,or%20raising%20the%20blood%20levels%20of%20the%20medication.