How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?

How Long Does it Take for Alcohol to Wear Off?

When you consume alcohol, it enters the digestive system and 20% is usually absorbed by the stomach. The remaining 80% is absorbed through the small intestine and the bloodstream.

Once it’s in the bloodstream, alcohol is transported around the body which is why it can have such a big impact all over. A lot of the alcohol consumed will travel to the liver where it’s processed. It’s believed that the liver can process one alcoholic drink every hour but this depends on how much alcohol has been consumed and the individual who is drinking.

The body is very efficient at processing alcohol, and around 90% is fully absorbed and metabolised. The remaining alcohol then comes out via sweat, urine and vomit. The time it takes for alcohol to wear off will depend on the individual as well as a few different factors but, typically, there can still be alcohol in the body for a few hours:

• Alcohol is processed from the bloodstream at a rate of 0.015 per hour and can show up in a blood test for up to 12 hours.
• Alcohol can be detected in urine samples for up to 3-5 days.
• There’s even alcohol detection in hair follicles, which can be there for up to 90 days.

Urine vs. Breath Tests

The police are legally allowed to breathalyse drivers who they believe are over the limit – either because they’ve been involved in an accident or drove dangerously.

In order to determine how much alcohol is left in the body, you may be subject to either a breath or urine test. Which one is required will depend on the circumstances.

Using a breath testing device, you’d be required to blow into the machine until it bleeps. This will record the amount of alcohol in your breath. Usually, two tests are taken and the lowest reading is submitted.

Prior to the test, you’ll be asked if you’ve used any mouthwash, medication, or drunk alcohol as 20 minutes needs to have passed before you can be tested. It’s important to note that if you refuse to take the breath test, you may be arrested.

Alternatively, a urine test may be required which is then sent off to the laboratory. Once again, failure to provide this can result in a criminal offence.

How Long Before Withdrawal Sets in After the Last Drink?

If you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol or think you have an alcohol addiction, you may experience withdrawal symptoms between 24 and 72 hours after your last drink. What’s more, it’s advised that you don’t stop drinking alcohol suddenly as this could have a dangerous impact on your body.

This is because when alcohol is misused and then stopped, the nervous system struggles to adapt. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Sickness and nausea
• Itching
• Tremors
• Headaches
• Feeling clammy
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Pins and needles
• Feeling anxious and restless
• Being mentally less alert

In some severe cases, individuals may also experience hallucinations. Some of these symptoms can also become so serious that they are life threatening. For this reason, a medically assisted and safe detox plan as part of an addiction recovery treatment programme is advised.

Not only will you be guided and supported through the detox, which is the process of the alcohol leaving your body, but you’ll be monitored regularly. Doctors will also be on hand to prescribe any medication to help with side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

It’s not just about physical effects either but also emotional and psychological ones such as difficulty sleeping, a lack of energy and low enthusiasm. With a medical team like Nova Recovery by your side, however, you’ll be supported each and every day.