Alcohol can be detected in a urine test for up to 24 hours.
The remaining alcohol can take up to five half-lives (i.e.
2025 hours) to be cleared completely.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
How long alcohol can be detected in the body depends on the test used.
Certain tests can detect well beyond this range but may only be used in cases of excessive alcohol use.
The length of time alcohol remains in other areas of the body differs.
When consumed, the body processes and excretes alcohol from the system.
Another enzyme,aldehyde dehydrogenase, quickly breaks down acetaldehyde again into acetate.
Other areas, including the pancreas, the brain, and the kidneys, can also break down alcohol.
Researchers also believe that this compound contributes to some of the damaging psychological effects of heavy alcohol use.
These include:
Is Urine Alcohol Concentration Different?
Blood alcohol concentration and urine alcohol concentration are different.
Alcohol is detectable in the urine for a lot longer than in the blood.
Urine Testing: Does a Sip Show Up?
Can You Flush Alcohol Out?
Which Alcoholic Drinks Metabolize Faster Than Others?
The rate of absorption of different alcohols varies.
Other factors, including what the alcohol is mixed with, also play a role.
Carbonated beverages like soda or champagne will get into the system quicker.
Eating a lot of carbohydrates beforehand may slow down absorption in the body.
Summary
Alcohol can be detected in the body through various means, including the urine.
2017;31(5):608
American Addiction Centers.How long does alcohol stay in your system?
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol’s effects on health.
2016;38(1):59
Medline Plus.Blood alcohol level.
Medical University of South Carolina.About urine ethylglucuronide (EtG) testing.
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health.How to get alcohol out of your system.
Paton A.Alcohol in the body.BMJ.
2005 Jan 8;330(7482):85-7. doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7482.85
