Understanding how long it takes to sober up helps you make responsible decisions about driving and other activities. The answer depends on several factors.
The liver metabolizes alcohol at a consistent rate of about one standard drink per hour. No amount of coffee, food, or cold showers can speed up this process.
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) depends on how much you drink, how fast, your weight, gender, and whether you've eaten. Higher BAC takes longer to clear.
Feeling sober doesn't mean you are sober. Cognitive impairment can persist even after you feel normal. BAC can remain elevated for hours after your last drink.
For heavy drinkers, "sobering up" is different from casual drinkers. Alcohol dependence means the body struggles to function without alcohol, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
If you find it difficult to control your drinking or experience withdrawal symptoms, professional help may be needed. Surf City Detox provides safe, medically supervised detox for alcohol dependence.
Dr. Eric Chaghouri, MD
Surf City Detox Medical Team
