How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?

There are three main types of alcohol: beer, wine, and distilled spirits. All of these alcoholic substances work in much the same way. However, the proof — the measure of ethanol alcohol contained in a beverage — can impact how quickly the effects of alcohol are felt, among other concerns.

We’ll go over how alcohol works, the risks of consuming too much alcohol, and how to get help if you’re struggling with alcohol misuse or addiction.

Alcohol Proof & How It Works

In order to understand alcohol’s power, it is vital to understand how alcohol’s strength is measured. Alcoholic content is measured by the term proof. That term is a measure of twice the percentage of alcohol by volume within a beverage.

The higher the proof number, the higher the potency of the liquid inside. This is because the higher the proof the less it takes to feel its effects. This is because very strong forms of alcohol can do a great deal of damage to the body. Very strong proof numbers could lead to very high exposure to toxic byproducts of alcohol. People who drink a great deal or who drink high-proof drinks could be exposing their bodies to toxic substances that can cause damage to vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys.

How Long Is Alcohol in the Bloodstream?

It takes the average person between 60 and 90 minutes to metabolize one standard drink. However, there are several factors that can impact alcohol metabolism time, such as:

• Weight.
• Gender.
• Age.
• Metabolism.
• Food intake.
• Medication interactions.
• Type of alcohol consumed.
• Liver health.

It’s worth noting that alcohol can stay in your system anywhere from 6-72 hours. Generally speaking, alcohol is detectable on blood tests up to 12 hours from the last drink.

Questions on Alcohol and the Body

Alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed recreational substances in the US. While alcohol consumption has broad acceptance, chronic consumption can lead to problematic use, such as binge drinking, heavy drinking, and alcohol use disorders. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 29.5 million people in the U.S. — 9% of the total population —  struggled with an alcohol use disorder in 2021.

It’s important to be aware of the effects that alcohol can have on you.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Nevada

If you’re concerned about your alcohol use, or that of a loved one, it’s time to reach out for help. At our drug and alcohol rehab in Nevada our team of compassionate and knowledgeable alcohol addiction treatment specialists can help you get on the road to recovery and back to living the life you deserve.

Contact our helpful and understanding admissions navigators 24/7 at to learn more about our inpatient rehab in Las Vegas, different ways to treat addiction, and the treatment admissions process. They can also answer your questions about ways to pay for rehab, including using insurance coverage for rehab.