How Long Does It Take to Sober Up
On average, the body metabolizes about one standard drink per hour. A standard drink is roughly 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. After your last drink, alcohol continues to rise in your blood for a short period before levels start to fall.
What Affects How Long You Stay Drunk
Several factors influence how quickly you process alcohol. Body weight, sex, food intake, hydration, and overall health all play a role. Older adults and people with certain medical conditions may metabolize alcohol more slowly. Drinking on an empty stomach usually leads to higher and faster blood alcohol levels.
When Impairment Ends
Impairment from alcohol can persist even after blood alcohol content starts to drop. Reaction time, judgment, and coordination may remain affected for several hours. For safety, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel fully alert and have given your body enough time to clear the alcohol.
