How long does alcohol stay in your system? If you’re wondering about it, it’s likely because you—or someone you care about—might be rethinking your relationship with drinking. Maybe alcohol has started to affect your daily life, your health, or your relationships. And perhaps you’re starting to look into options like alcohol rehab. At ALANA Recovery in Georgia, we know that asking this question is often your first step to building a life after narcotics and alcohol (ALANA).
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through this by yourself. ALANA Recovery offers compassionate care in a supportive setting for those seeking a healthier path. We’re here to help, whether you face occasional challenges or ongoing struggles. Contact us online or call us at 770.759.7474—we’d love to support you.
Understanding alcohol misuse
Alcohol misuse is when someone’s drinking starts to negatively affect their health, safety, or ability to handle daily responsibilities. This doesn’t always mean someone is struggling with addiction—but it can still cause serious challenges. In 2022, more than 29.5 million people in the United States were living with alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). However, only about 7.6% were able to access treatment.1 That treatment gap shows how many people are trying to navigate alcohol-related issues on their own.
Alcohol can impair your brain and liver, raise your risk of cancer, and contribute to depression or anxiety. It also impacts sleep, memory, and long-term mental clarity. If you’re starting to question your alcohol use, you’re not alone—and you’re already taking a brave first step by looking for answers.
How long does alcohol stay in your system?
There’s no single answer to this—it depends on how much you’ve had, how quickly you drank, your weight, metabolism, hydration level, and even your gender. Here’s the general idea:
- In your blood: Alcohol can usually be detected for up to 12 hours.
- In your breath: A breathalyzer might pick up alcohol for up to 24 hours.
- In your urine: Some tests can detect alcohol for up to 80 hours.
- In your hair: Alcohol stays detectable for up to 90 days.
Remember, the liver processes about one standard drink per hour, so the timing can vary depending on how much you’ve had and other factors. But alcohol’s lingering effects—like grogginess, mood swings, or headaches—can last longer, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily over time.
What are the signs of alcohol abuse?
Alcohol abuse can show up in different ways. Some signs are more visible, while others are subtle and grow over time. If you’re starting to wonder if it might be time to get help, here are a few things to think about:
- Are you craving alcohol more often than you’d like?
- Do you find yourself drinking in secret or hiding how much you’re actually drinking?
- Have you tried to cut back but struggled to stick with it?
- Does it take more alcohol than it used to for you to feel the same effects?
- Do you feel sick, shaky, or anxious when you’re not drinking?
- Is drinking getting in the way of your responsibilities or relationships?
- Are you using alcohol to deal with stress, sadness, or anxiety?
Deeper patterns often underlie these signs and may link to mental health challenges. ALANA Recovery specializes in addressing co-occurring conditions and can help you make sense of your symptoms in a compassionate, supportive space.
What are the dangers of going through alcohol withdrawal symptoms alone?
Alcohol withdrawal can be severe—and sometimes life-threatening. It’s not just a matter of feeling tired or getting a headache. When your body gets used to relying on alcohol, suddenly stopping can be tough on your system. You might experience things like:
- Feeling nauseous or throwing up
- Shaking or sweating a lot
- Intense anxiety or even panic
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or having seizures
- In some cases, a serious condition called delirium tremens (DTs), which can cause confusion, fever, and severe shaking
Going through alcohol withdrawal without medical supervision can be dangerous. ALANA Recovery can help connect you with a safe detox option through our trusted network. Once withdrawal management is complete, you can begin one of our outpatient programs designed to support your long-term recovery.
Can alcohol addiction co-occur with other mental health issues?
Absolutely. Many people who struggle with alcohol misuse also experience conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder. You might drink to cope with symptoms, or the drinking itself might make those symptoms worse. These conditions often fuel one another—what we call co-occurring disorders.
At ALANA Recovery, we’re here to help you navigate substance abuse challenges while also supporting your mental health. Whether you’re struggling with mood swings, past trauma, or feelings you can’t quite put into words, our compassionate team is ready to guide you toward clarity and healing. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re in this together.
How alcohol addiction treatment can make a difference
If you’re asking yourself how long alcohol stays in your system, it might be time to think about getting the support you deserve. At ALANA Recovery, we’re here to help with outpatient treatment options designed to meet you where you are:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP): A structured daytime program with medical and therapeutic support to help you take those first steps
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Provides the support you need while balancing work, school, or other responsibilities
- Outpatient program: A more flexible option for ongoing recovery as you transition to daily life
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Eases cravings and withdrawal symptoms to make the process more manageable
You’ll work with licensed professionals through evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma therapy, group support, and more—all in a safe and understanding environment. ALANA Recovery, a Promises Behavioral Health company, believes in providing compassionate care in a supportive setting to help you reclaim your life.
Connect with ALANA Recovery and get started on building a life after narcotics and alcohol
Maybe you’ve been wondering how long alcohol stays in your system, but it might be time to ask something else: What’s the next step? We’re here to figure that out with you. We’re here to support your first step to a life after narcotics and alcohol. As a Promises Behavioral Health company, ALANA Recovery provides personalized outpatient programs that genuinely address the specifics of substance use disorders. Our team walks beside you with warmth, understanding, and evidence-based care every step of the way.
Reach out to us today—because your journey toward healing starts with just one conversation. Call 770.759.7474 or contact us online to get started.
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