When misused, alcohol can do as much (or even more) overall harm as many illegal drugs.
People who misuse alcohol also risk developing physical and psychological dependence andalcohol use disorder(AUD).
How Long Does It Take to Feel Effects?
Verywell / Joshua Seong
it’s possible for you to start to feel the effects of alcohol in a matter of minutes.
Other signs ofalcohol intoxicationinclude:
How Long Does Alcohol Last?
For most people, alcohol is absorbed into the system more rapidly than it is metabolized.
If you drinkmore than oneper hour, it rises much more rapidly.
The bodymetabolizes alcoholby oxidizing the ethanol to acetaldehyde.
The acetaldehyde is broken down into acetic acid and then further broken down into carbon dioxide and water.
Breath
Alcohol can be detected in your breath via a breathalyzer test for up to 24 hours.
Urine
Alcohol can be detected in urine for 10 to 12 hours via the traditional urine test.
Blood
Alcohol can show up in a blood test for up to 12 hours.
Saliva
A saliva test can be positive for alcohol from 24 to 48 hours.
Some of those factors include the following.
This reaction is known colloquially as Asian flush or Asian glow.
Many aging adults also take medication that can affect liver function, slowing the process further.
Always be honest with your healthcare provider about how much alcohol you consume.
1
The above times reflect the metabolism rate of a healthy, functioning liver.
The severity will depend on how long you’ve been using alcohol and how much you usually drink.
Start by talking to your primary care physician.
Many people also turn to support groups likeAlcoholics Anonymous(AA).
These in-person or online groups can help you feel supported and less alone as you navigate recovery.
