How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System? A Complete Breakdown by Hours and Organs

For anyone planning to detox from alcohol, either independently or with medical assistance, it’s important to understand exactly how long alcohol stays in your system and how your body processes it. The effects of alcohol don’t end with the last sip; in fact, your body can take hours to fully eliminate alcohol depending on your consumption, metabolism, and overall health. This article breaks down the alcohol metabolism timeline, organ-by-organ effects, and actionable tips for supporting your detox journey.

How Alcohol Enters and Moves Through the Body

When you consume alcohol, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream primarily through the small intestine (about 80%) and the stomach (about 20%). From there, it circulates throughout your body and affects multiple organs, including your brain, liver, kidneys, and heart, within minutes. Unlike food, alcohol doesn’t need to be digested before entering the bloodstream, which is why its effects can be felt quickly, especially on an empty stomach.

Alcohol Intoxication

The effects of alcohol can be felt in a matter of minutes, depending on a number of factors. Alcohol affects multiple body systems, so symptoms of intoxication can vary and may include:

• Euphoria or friendliness
• Rage or aggression
• Poor judgment or loss of inhibitions
• Impaired walking or loss of coordination
• Slurred speech or slowed reaction time

Although moderate drinking on occasion may not seriously impact your health, heavy alcohol consumption over long periods of time adds up, taking a serious toll on the body. Examples of conditions resulting from chronic alcohol consumption include:

• Malnourishment, vitamin deficiencies, liver disease, and pancreatitis
• Multiple forms of cancer
• Gastrointestinal problems and ulcers
• Heart disease and stroke
• Brain damage and immune system dysfunction

Alcohol use is also linked to a higher risk of accidents and injuries, including car crashes, falls, domestic violence, drowning, homicide, and suicide. There is no set amount you can drink risk free, nor is there a way to know when and to what degree someone may be harmed by heavy alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Metabolism Timeline (Hour-by-Hour)

Your body processes alcohol at a fairly predictable rate, though individual factors can cause variations. On average, your liver can metabolize one standard drink per hour (roughly 0.015% Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC per hour).

0–1 Hour: Absorption Begins

• Alcohol enters the bloodstream within 10 minutes.
• Your BAC starts rising, especially if drinking quickly or on an empty stomach.

1–3 Hours: Peak BAC

• Peak intoxication may occur, showing signs like impaired coordination, slurred speech, and mood changes.
• The liver begins breaking down alcohol through enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase.

3–6 Hours: Processing Continues

• Alcohol levels begin to decline as the liver metabolizes it.
• Drowsiness and impaired reflexes are common.

6–12 Hours: Hangover Window

• Most alcohol is out of the bloodstream (though still present in your urine).
• Dehydration, fatigue, nausea, and headaches may occur.

24–72 Hours: Detox and Recovery

• For heavy drinkers, withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, or even seizures, can occur.
• Medical supervision is recommended for anyone at risk of severe withdrawal.

Organ-by-Organ Breakdown of How Alcohol Affects the Body

Brain: Alcohol slows communication between neurons, affecting judgment, memory, and motor skills. Chronic use can contribute to cognitive decline and mental health issues.

Liver: The liver breaks alcohol down into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance, and then into acetate for elimination. It can only process about 0.015% BAC per hour. Heavy drinking can lead to fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and long-term damage.

Stomach: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and may delay digestion, causing nausea or vomiting. Chronic use increases the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Kidneys: Alcohol increases urine output, raising the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The kidneys also work harder to filter alcohol byproducts.

Heart: Small amounts may temporarily increase heart rate. Larger quantities can lead to high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and increased stroke risk.

Lungs: A small amount of alcohol is exhaled through the lungs, which is why breathalyzers can detect alcohol for hours after consumption.

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your Blood?

Alcohol can be detected in a blood test for up to 12 hours.

BAC levels vary depending on age, biological sex, weight, liver health, medications, how much alcohol you drank, the type of alcohol, and whether you drank on an empty stomach.

How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure

One drink can raise your blood pressure for at least two hours. Regularly consuming more than two drinks increases the risk of long-term hypertension.

Hypertension doesn’t usually cause immediate symptoms, but chronic high blood pressure can damage arteries, the heart, brain, and kidneys, eventually increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Alcohol and Blood Pressure Medication

Combining alcohol with blood pressure medications can lead to extremely low blood pressure, which may cause:

• Lightheadedness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Falling
  
• Fainting

How Alcohol Affects Blood Sugar

Alcohol lowers blood sugar in non-diabetics; too many drinks can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to symptoms like:

• Weakness
  
• Moodiness
  
• Fatigue
  
• Seizures

Over time, alcohol reduces insulin’s effectiveness in regulating blood sugar, increasing the risk of glucose intolerance or diabetes.

Alcohol and Diabetes Medication

Only a doctor can determine whether drinking alcohol is safe alongside diabetes medication. Effects vary greatly depending on overall health and the severity of diabetes. Key considerations include:

• Moderate drinking: May raise blood sugar, while excess drinking can dramatically lower it.
• Carbohydrates: Drinking on an empty stomach increases risks.
• Appetite: Alcohol may increase hunger, leading to overeating.

How Long Alcohol Stays Detectable in Tests

Tests have different detection windows. Alcohol may be detectable for:

• Urine tests: up to 80 hours
• Breath tests: several hours
• Blood tests: up to 12 hours
• Hair tests: up to 90 days

What Factors Influence How Long Alcohol Stays in Your System?

• Body weight and composition
• Age
• Gender
• Liver function
• Food intake
• Medications

These variables influence the speed at which your body metabolizes and eliminates alcohol, which is why the same amount of alcohol can affect individuals very differently.

Cutting Down on Drinking, How to Detox Safely

If you regularly consume alcohol and decide to stop, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Symptoms typically stop 4–5 days after your last drink and can include:

• Anxiety and irritability
  
• Rapid heart rate and sweating
  
• Nausea and tremors

Individuals with other medical conditions, who have consumed alcohol heavily, or who are older during detox are at higher risk of Delirium Tremens (DTs), which can involve:

• Hallucinations
  
• Paranoia
  
• High body temperature
  
• Seizures

Medically Managed Detox

Detoxing at home without supervision may seem safe, but it’s best to consult a doctor before beginning the process.

A doctor can create a safe detox plan based on your health and drinking history and may prescribe medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, especially seizures.

How to Support Your Body During Alcohol Detox

• Stay hydrated
  
• Eat nutrient-rich foods
  
• Rest
  
• IV therapy

These steps help the body recover more effectively during detox. If you’re unsure whether you can detox safely at home, read more about what to expect during medically managed detox.

Elite Home Detox – A Path to Sobriety Built Around You

Elite Home Detox offers in-home detox and recovery services for drug and alcohol addiction. A medical professional stays with you during detox to monitor your progress and ensure safety. After detox, counselors and care coordinators help you stay on track with your long-term recovery.

If you have a loved one struggling with alcohol dependency, Intervention Specialists can help the support network deliver a message of love and accountability that encourages them to accept help.

FAQ

How long does it take to sober up completely?

On average, it takes one hour per standard drink for your body to eliminate alcohol. Factors like liver health, metabolism, and food intake affect this timeline.

Can I speed up how quickly alcohol leaves my system?

Not significantly. Water and rest can relieve symptoms but won’t speed liver metabolism. IV hydration may help symptoms but does not reduce BAC.

Is alcohol still in my system the next day?

It can be. Alcohol typically becomes undetectable in the blood within 12 hours but may be detectable in urine for up to 80 hours and in hair for up to 90 days.