How long does it take for your blood alcohol level to drop to zero after drinking one shot of hard liquor?

According to Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, from the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, Ministry of National Defense , based on the widespread practice of alcohol consumption among the population in most countries worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced the concept of an alcohol unit.

One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10g of pure ethanol, which is equal to 200ml of beer; 75ml of wine (1 glass); or 25ml of spirits (1 shot). The approximate number of units of alcohol will depend on the amount consumed.

Many people wonder how long it takes for their blood alcohol level to drop to zero after drinking just one shot of hard liquor. (Illustrative image)

For a healthy adult, the liver can eliminate about one unit of alcohol every hour. This is an average figure. Depending on the individual, such as those with weak livers or those who are overweight, this time may increase or decrease.

In addition, factors such as medical conditions, age, weight, or a large amount of food in the stomach can slow down the rate of alcohol absorption and consequently slow down its elimination.

Regarding the body's mechanism for eliminating alcohol, approximately 10-15% is eliminated through respiration, skin, and sweat. About 85-90% is processed by the liver.

Drinking one shot of strong liquor (around 40% alcohol) is equivalent to one unit of alcohol, and it takes the liver about an hour to eliminate it. However, after elimination, the body needs 2-3 hours for the alcohol level in the blood to drop to zero. Therefore, if you drink one shot of strong liquor, it will take about 3 hours after drinking before your breathalyzer test shows no alcohol level.

"There is no precise answer to the question 'If I drink a certain amount of alcohol, how long will it take for my blood alcohol level to reach zero?'" Dr. Hoang said.

The exact time it takes to completely eliminate alcohol from the body varies depending on the individual. We can estimate the timeframe, but this is an average estimate. Each person will have a different timeframe, and many factors influence the rate at which the body eliminates alcohol.

Nhu Loan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/uong-1-chen-ruou-manh-bao-lau-nong-do-con-ve-0-ar902884.html