Alcohol abuse can result in various health repercussions, including liver damage and different forms of cancer. Everyone’s body is different, and some people seem to experience more severe reactions to drinking than others, but exactly how long does alcohol stay in your system?
It’s important to understand that alcohol abuse is never safe. Anyone who drinks in excess is at risk of developing an addiction or other physical problems. As a luxury rehab facility in Florida, we advise against heavy drinking and encourage people battling alcoholism to seek addiction treatment immediately.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain and Body?
Alcohol affects various systems and organs in the body, and its impact can be both immediate and long-term. Its effects are particularly strong on the central nervous system (CNS) because alcohol acts as a depressant and slows down CNS activity which compromises nerve cell transmission. This results in the classic signs of alcohol intoxication, including slurred speech, clumsiness, and slow reflexes. The neurotransmitters in the brain that control mood and emotions, such as dopamine and serotonin, are likewise impacted by alcohol.
Alcohol can severely depress the central nervous system and impair basic functions, which include:1
- Speech
- Coordination
- Motor skills
- Balance
- Memory
- Cognition (thinking)
- Reflexes
Basic functions aren’t the only way that alcohol affects people. For example, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a neurological condition marked by confusion, memory loss, and coordination issues, can also be brought on by prolonged alcohol use.
Another major target of alcohol’s destructive effects is the liver. Although the liver is in charge of processing alcohol, heavy drinking can overload it and cause inflammation and liver damage. Long-term alcohol misuse can result in liver fibrosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and ultimately cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver develops scar tissue and loses its capacity to function normally. Cirrhosis of the liver is a dangerous disorder that can be fatal.
Additionally, alcohol and digestion are often not a good mix. It can aggravate the stomach lining and boost stomach acid production, which can result in gastritis and stomach ulcers. On top of that, alcohol can hinder the body’s ability to absorb vital vitamins and nutrients from food in the intestines, potentially leading to long-term malnutrition.
What many don’t realize is that alcohol is a proven carcinogen that raises the risk of getting several cancers. The probability of developing cancer in the throat, mouth, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, and breasts (in women) is raised with heavy and persistent alcohol use. 2 Individuals struggling with alcoholism can avoid these repercussions by receiving alcohol addiction treatment as soon as possible.
How Long Does Alcohol Last in Your System?
Alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine, and whatever isn’t absorbed is released through urine or sweat. Once it enters the bloodstream, it travels to the liver, where it will break down. Drinking too quickly can disrupt this process and prevent you from metabolizing alcohol properly. Factors like biological sex (a person’s sex at birth), weight, and how much you had to drink can determine how quickly you will feel the effects of alcohol and how long it will last in your system. For example, men have a higher concentration of water in their bodies than women do, allowing them to break down alcohol faster than women.
How long alcohol stays in your system depends on what you’re testing. These tests include:3
- Urine: Traces of alcohol can be detected in urine for up to 24 to 48 hours after the last drink
- Blood: Alcohol can be detected in the blood for up to 12 hours
- Breath: Tests can also detect traces of alcohol in your breath for up to 24 hours
- Hair: Any alcohol in the hair can typically be detected for the longest time of up to 90 days
We’ve helped answer the question, “How long does alcohol stay in your system?” But this answer is only one step to better understanding how drinking can negatively affect a person. Luckily, our high-end rehab center offers resources to help you recover.
How to Stop Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol addiction recovery calls for dedication, encouragement, and a thorough strategy. It is crucial to first accept the issue, next firmly resolve to stop drinking, and then you can start your path to sobriety. The foundation for taking meaningful steps in the direction of a better, alcohol-free existence begins with this self-realization.
After making the decision to stop drinking, getting assistance is crucial. A solid support system, which can consist of family, friends, and support groups, helps by offering inspiration, comprehension, and accountability during the healing process. People who suffer from alcoholism can also recover from their dependency and get sober with residential addiction treatment in Palm Beach.
At Seaside Palm Beach, we know that no amount of alcohol abuse is safe or healthy. Binge drinking or long periods of excessive drinking can lead to addiction and other health concerns.
If you’re struggling with alcoholism, do not wait to get help. Call us now at 561-677-9374 to find out about our drug and alcohol detox in Palm Beach.
Sources:
- NIH – Alcohol Facts and Statistics
- CDC – Alcohol and Cancer
- NCBI – Appendix B. Urine Collection and Testing Procedures and Alternative Methods for Monitoring Drug Use
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