How fast body metabolize alcohol

Generally, people absorb alcohol faster than it can be metabolized, so it stays in the system longer. Your degree of intoxication depends on your blood alcohol concentration BAC , which is the ratio of the alcohol to water content in your blood. A BAC of 0. On average the body can eliminate 0. That means, the body can take one to two hours to metabolize the alcohol consumed in that hour.

If you have two glasses of wine with dinner, it could take up to six hours for you to fully break down the alcohol, depending on the variables listed above. For a person with alcoholism who may consume closer to 10 glasses of wine about two bottles in a day or binge, it could take up to 15 hours or more for the body to fully metabolize and eliminate the alcohol consumed from the bloodstream.

The physical sensation of being drunk—also known as a drinking high—can vary from person to person depending upon a number of internal and external factors.

This rough calculation is based off of how much alcohol an individual has consumed per hour, their body weight, gender, genetics, and other factors. Across the United States, most states enforce a standard measurement of 0. According to alcohol. Even after the effects of alcohol wear off, it can remain in the body for long periods of time.

Depending on the body system, alcohol can last different lengths of time. For example, alcohol is traceable in the saliva and breath for up to 24 hours after drinking, while it can be detected in the blood stream for up to 12 hours and in urine for up to five days, depending on the test used.

Most surprising of all, alcohol can be found in hair strands for as long as 90 days after the last drink. Withdrawal will vary from person to person. Other factors Blacking out vs. How does alcohol move through the body? For an interactive look at alcohol moving through the human body, click here What is "one drink"?

BAC measures the ratio of alcohol in the blood. So, a BAC of. Effects of blood alcohol content on thinking, feeling and behavior: Now that you know how to calculate BAC, see how alcohol affects your body at different levels. Why are men and women different? Ability to metabolize alcohol Women have less dehydrogenase, a liver enzyme that breaks down alcohol, than men.

Hormonal factors Premenstrual hormonal changes cause intoxication to set in faster during the days right before a woman gets her period. Women are more susceptible to long-term alcohol-induced damage. Women who are heavy drinkers are at greater risk of liver disease, damage to the pancreas and high blood pressure than male heavy drinkers.

Proportionately more alcoholic women die from cirrhosis than do alcoholic men. What other factors affect your response to alcohol? Food Having food in your stomach can have a powerful influence on the absorption of alcohol. Asian descent Some people of Asian descent have more difficulty metabolizing alcohol. Family History First-degree relatives children, siblings or parents of alcoholics have been estimated to have a seven times greater chance of developing alcoholism.

What is the difference between a blackout and passing out? What is a hangover and can I prevent it? The only way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation: Eat a good dinner and continue to snack throughout the night. Alternate one alcoholic drink with one non-alcoholic drink.

Avoid drinking games or shots. Drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time is the most likely way to become dangerously intoxicated. This simply puts more alcohol in your body and prolongs the effects of the alcohol intoxication. Having caffeine while drinking will not counteract the intoxication of alcohol; you simply get a more alert drunk person. Excessive caffeine will continue to lower your blood sugar and dehydrate you even more than alcohol alone.

Giving water to someone who is throwing up. Once the stomach is irritated enough to cause vomiting, it doesn't matter what you put into it -- it's going to come back up. Any liquid will cause a spasm reaction and more vomiting. It's best not to take a pain reliever before going to bed.

Give your body a chance to process the alcohol before taking any medication. Processing alcohol causes a drop in blood sugar and can contribute to headaches. Drink plenty of water and juice to get rehydrated. Take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen when you wake up. Let your body process the alcohol while you are sleeping. Any issues with your liver can slow down this process. These tests look for traces of alcohol metabolites. The average urine test can detect alcohol between 12 and 48 hours after drinking.

More advanced testing can measure alcohol in the urine 80 hours after you drink. Breath tests for alcohol can detect alcohol within a shorter time frame. This is about 24 hours on average. A small machine called a breathalyzer measures your BAC. Any number above 0. Alcohol can stay in your hair for up to 90 days. It can also temporarily be detected in saliva, sweat, and blood. Babies who are exposed to alcohol are at risk for decreased motor skills and other developmental delays. Alcohol poisoning is an emergency medical condition.

Binge drinking is the most common cause of alcohol poisoning. If you suspect alcohol poisoning in a friend or loved one, call your local emergency services right away.

To prevent choking from vomit, turn the person on their side. Never leave a friend with alcohol poisoning by themselves. Learn more: Understanding why blackouts happen ». The quicker you seek help, the more likely you are to minimize potentially fatal complications, such as:. The rate that alcohol can stay in your system depends on a variety of factors. The bottom line is safety and moderation.

Keep your consumption to a few drinks per week, and avoid binge drinking. Also, be sure to have a ride lined up if you are drinking away from home. The search for a way to sober up fast is an endless one.