From the Research
Alcohol can be detected in the system for varying durations depending on the test used, with detection times ranging from 12 hours in blood to up to 90 days in hair after consumption. The body metabolizes alcohol primarily through the liver at an average rate of about one standard drink per hour (approximately 0.015% blood alcohol concentration per hour) 1. This rate is relatively consistent but can vary based on individual factors such as body weight, sex, liver function, food consumption, and genetics. Someone with liver disease or who takes certain medications may process alcohol more slowly. The feeling of intoxication typically lasts several hours, but alcohol's effects on coordination, judgment, and reaction time can persist even after a person no longer feels drunk.
Factors Influencing Alcohol Metabolism
- Body weight: affects the volume of distribution of alcohol
- Sex: women generally have a higher percentage of body fat and lower percentage of body water, which can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations
- Liver function: impaired liver function can slow down alcohol metabolism
- Food consumption: eating before or while drinking can slow down alcohol absorption
- Genetics: variations in genes involved in alcohol metabolism, such as alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, can affect an individual's ability to metabolize alcohol 1
Detection Times for Alcohol
- Blood: up to 12 hours
- Breath: 12-24 hours
- Urine: 2-5 days
- Hair: up to 90 days
For safety and legal considerations, it's essential to allow sufficient time for complete alcohol elimination before driving or operating machinery, as the effects of alcohol on coordination, judgment, and reaction time can persist even after a person no longer feels drunk 2, 3, 4.