Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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Alcohol can show up on different drug tests. However, how long alcohol will appear on a drug test depends on various factors.
Different methods of testing detect alcohol during different timeframes:
A breathalyzer (or breath test) is one of the most popular alcohol testing devices. Alcohol testing with a breathalyzer measures the amount of ethanol in your breath.4 This means that it’s best used immediately after drinking alcohol. Breathalyzers can detect ethanol levels within 24 hours of consuming alcohol.
A blood test can detect alcohol in your system for weeks after you drink it. Blood alcohol tests are typically testing for ethanol or phosphatidyl ethanol.4 A blood alcohol test detecting ethanol can typically detect alcohol within 12 hours after drinking. A phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth) test can detect alcohol for up to 12 days.
In some cases, healthcare providers will also check liver function tests (LFT).
Alcohol may show up in a urine test for days after consumption. It can be detected in urine within an hour after drinking alcohol.4
Its maximum concentration peaks after 5.5 hours. Depending on how much alcohol you consume, a urine test can still detect alcohol 24 to 80 hours after you drink it.
The ethyl glucuronide in urine can be detected on a test for up to 5 days after drinking.
A hair test for alcohol is less common. That said, testing a hair sample is the best way to test for alcohol consumption over a longer period.
A hair sample can trace alcohol for up to six months.4 It can also detect drug use for up to a year.
Meanwhile, saliva only retains traces of alcohol for the first few hours to the day after consumption.
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Several factors influence alcohol detection time. These include:
You can get a false positive with a drug or alcohol test (even if you don’t drink alcohol).
Many household products like mouthwash and hand sanitizer contain alcohol. If you use these products, some drug and alcohol testing tools may pick them up and mistake them for drinking alcohol.
Some people believe drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, forcing vomit, eating bread, and more can help them sober up faster. These are myths.
Sobering up from alcohol takes time. Your liver metabolizes alcohol at about one standard drink per hour. Some people’s livers aren’t functioning at normal levels, and it may take longer to metabolize alcohol.
The only way to get sober is by waiting.7 Plus, things like mixing caffeine with alcohol and forcing vomit can be dangerous.
That said, eating food can certainly help treat the symptoms you may be experiencing and prevent a hangover. Likewise, food slows down the rate at which your blood absorbs alcohol.3 This is why you should always eat before and/or while drinking alcohol.
Drinking water can help dilute the alcohol in your system and rehydrate you. It also helps flush out toxins. Fruit juices that contain vitamins B and C are also helpful in flushing out toxins.6
The symptoms of alcohol overdose can be very severe and even fatal. The symptoms of alcohol overdose include, but aren’t limited to, the following: 9
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of an alcohol overdose, call for emergency medical help immediately. Don’t wait for it to be too late.
An alcohol overdose can cause irreversible damage and even death. Oftentimes, people are unaware that they have drunk too much.
In 2021, 60.0 million people ages 12 and older reported binge drinking in the past month.1
Some common signs that you may have a drinking problem include, but aren’t limited to: 1
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can damage your physical and mental health and all aspects of your life and relationships. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help immediately.
They’ll connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor
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Professional help is available for people who misuse alcohol. Treatment options include:
You may also choose to explore more than one treatment option. For example, going to rehab and therapy simultaneously can help treat both the physical and mental effects of alcohol abuse.
BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
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Alcohol can be detected in different ways, such as using a breathalyzer or blood test. However, various factors affect how quickly alcohol leaves your system.
It’s important to understand the danger and signs of alcohol misuse. Professional help is available if you or someone you know needs treatment for alcohol misuse or addiction.
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