Noah Vinter
Alcohol can be detected in the body for up to 12 hours after drinking via a blood test, and for up to 90 days via a hair test. While it is impossible to speed up the body's rate of alcohol metabolism, there are several things one can do to support the body's recovery after drinking. Drinking water, for example, encourages the body to eliminate already broken-down alcohol more quickly. Green tea is also a good option, as it is rich in antioxidants and can help with digestion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long does alcohol stay in the system | Up to 12 hours for a blood test, 24 hours for a saliva test, 48-72 hours for a urine test, and up to 90 days for a hair follicle test |
| How much alcohol can be naturally released through bodily functions | About 10% through sweating, breathing, and urinating |
| How to flush alcohol out of the system | Drinking water, consuming mineral salts, getting enough sleep, drinking soda or carbonated water, eating nutritious foods, and exercising |
| How to prevent alcohol from entering the system | Drinking responsibly, finding a designated driver, not drinking on an empty stomach, and seeking help if struggling with alcohol addiction |
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What You'll Learn
Drinking water and other fluids
In addition to water, doctors recommend consuming mineral salts such as tomato or vegetable juice and salted broth to replenish electrolytes and restore a healthy electrolyte balance quickly. Drinking soda or carbonated water while consuming alcohol can also help to metabolize alcohol more quickly. Green tea is another good option as it has anti-inflammatory properties that can boost immunity and detoxify the body. It can also help to preserve your liver and counter the symptoms of intoxication.
However, it is important to note that drinking water and other fluids will not significantly change alcohol levels in your body or help you pass an alcohol test. While it may help you feel more alert and sober, it does not affect alcohol concentration in your blood. The only way to completely flush alcohol out of your system is to give your body time to recover and allow the liver to do its work, which takes time.
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Eating before and after drinking
Eating before drinking alcohol can help slow the emptying of your stomach and delay alcohol absorption. Eating the right foods before drinking can help control hunger, balance electrolytes, and decrease some of the adverse effects associated with alcohol. Conversely, selecting other foods can cause bloating, dehydration, heartburn, and indigestion. It is recommended to eat foods high in protein, electrolytes, and other key nutrients. For example, snacking on protein-rich foods like eggs or unsweetened Greek yogurt before drinking alcohol can help slow the emptying of your stomach and delay alcohol absorption. Plus, protein is the most filling macronutrient, keeping you feeling fuller for longer, which can reduce your risk of alcohol-induced food binges later in the night. Other good options include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, which may protect your cells against alcohol-induced damage, and asparagus, which has been studied for its ability to promote liver health. Melons and avocados are also good options, as they are rich in water and electrolytes, which can help keep you hydrated while drinking.
Eating after drinking alcohol can help flush the toxins out of your system. The toxins in alcohol can cause low blood sugar and even crashes, so it's important to balance it out by eating. If you're feeling too nauseous to eat, try something light like crackers or bread. Then, when you're feeling better, you can try eating meats and other foods rich in Vitamin D.
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Getting enough sleep
While there is no surefire way to flush alcohol out of your system, getting enough sleep is an important step toward recovery. Alcohol can cause restless sleep, so getting additional sleep is always helpful. Studies have found that people who slept less after a night of drinking tended to experience worse hangovers than those who got more sleep.
Sleep allows your body to recover and gives your liver the time it needs to filter alcohol from your system. The liver is responsible for processing approximately 90% of the alcohol in your body, and it takes on the detoxifying process after alcohol passes through your stomach, small intestine, and bloodstream. It is important to give your liver the time it needs to metabolize the alcohol.
The time it takes for your body to break down alcohol depends on various factors, including your blood alcohol content (BAC) level, age, sex, weight, and the type and amount of alcohol consumed. On average, your body eliminates alcohol at a rate that would reduce your BAC by 0.015 per hour, which is equivalent to processing about one alcoholic beverage per hour. However, this rate can vary depending on the volume and strength of the drink.
While sleep is crucial for recovery, it is important to note that simply sleeping late will not physically flush alcohol out of your system. There are no quick fixes or remedies to expedite this process, and it is always best to prevent having to flush alcohol out of your system in the first place. Detoxing from alcohol can be challenging, and seeking professional help or support from organizations specializing in addiction treatment may be beneficial.
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Avoiding exercise
While it is impossible to speed up the body's rate of metabolizing alcohol, there are several ways to support your body's recovery. However, it is important to note that some common suggestions, such as drinking water and exercising, will not help flush alcohol out of your system faster. In fact, exercising after drinking alcohol is not recommended, as it can negatively impact your body's recovery process in several ways.
Firstly, alcohol affects the muscles' ability to absorb and use glucose, which they need for energy, decreasing your endurance. This means that exercising after drinking will likely leave you feeling more tired and less alert. Additionally, exercising will add more stress to your liver as it has to process the toxins from the alcohol and will eliminate lactic acid more slowly, leading to cramps.
Instead of exercising, it is recommended to get plenty of rest and sleep, as this will help restore your body's ability to metabolize alcohol. Sleeping late won't physically flush alcohol out of your system, but it is a good step towards getting your body back to normal, as alcohol causes restless sleeping.
It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. This may help to reduce or prevent hangover symptoms such as fatigue and headaches, which are often caused or exacerbated by dehydration. However, it is best to avoid coffee, as caffeine is also a diuretic and can contribute to dehydration.
In addition to water, you can also drink sports drinks, electrolyte drinks, coconut water, or oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to help replenish electrolytes and prevent dehydration. Consuming mineral salts, such as by eating tomatoes or drinking vegetable juice or bone broth, can also help restore electrolytes.
While it may be tempting to reach for sugary or fatty snacks, it is best to avoid these, as they can negatively impact your digestion and cause blood sugar spikes, potentially prolonging hangover symptoms. Instead, opt for probiotic-rich foods to help restore your gut health and green vegetables to provide your body with vital minerals, amino acids, and other essential nutrients to aid in recovery.
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Medical detox
Alcohol detoxification can be an extremely unpleasant and even life-threatening process. It is always recommended to detox from alcohol under medical supervision. Without it, moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, and medical detox makes the process safer and more comfortable.
There are three main phases of detoxification: evaluation, stabilization, and entry into continued treatment. Evaluation involves determining the substances you are withdrawing from, how much is present in your body, and what interventions may be necessary during detoxification. Next, stabilization encompasses all medical and psychosocial processes needed to become substance-free, which can include medication, counselling, and social and familial support. Finally, detox involves facilitating entry into treatment. Once you are medically stable, you will be referred to a treatment program to help you understand the psychological, behavioural, and social aspects of alcohol addiction.
Detoxification settings can vary in intensity based on patient needs, from medically managed intensive inpatient detoxification (the highest level of care) to ambulatory detox, where the patient visits a physician's office or has home health visits. Certain medications may be used to manage the effects of alcohol withdrawal, such as benzodiazepines, which are the most common and are used to prevent withdrawal symptoms from intensifying. Examples include diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
The detox timeline depends on how much the individual used to drink, how long they've been drinking, and other factors. Withdrawal can begin 6-24 hours after the last drink and may last several days. Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations are typically present within the first 12 to 24 hours of alcohol withdrawal and usually resolve within 48 hours. In cases of severe withdrawal, symptoms typically occurs by the second or third day and can include delirium tremens (DTs), which may include rapid heart rate, hypertension, hallucinations, and disorientation.
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Frequently asked questions
You cannot flush alcohol out of your system faster than your liver can break it down. A healthy liver eliminates one alcoholic drink per hour.
Alcohol stays in your system for between one and twelve hours, but it can be detected in urine, breath, hair, and blood for much longer.
Drinking water can help your body recover after drinking. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it's important to rehydrate. Alcohol also depletes electrolytes, so drinking sports drinks or coconut water can help alleviate discomfort.
Some common myths include drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or eating a big meal before drinking. These may make you feel more alert, but they will not eliminate alcohol from your blood.
Alcohol can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days after consumption.
