Drug Information · Detection Times

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?

Alcohol is processed by the liver at a rate of approximately 1 unit per hour — you cannot speed this up. Alcohol is detectable in breath (breathalyser) for 12–24 hours, in blood for 6–24 hours, and in urine for 12–48 hours. An EtG urine test can detect alcohol consumption for up to 80 hours after drinking.

⚠️ UK drink-drive limit: 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood (England/Wales). Scotland: 50mg/100ml. Never guess — the safest choice is not to drive after drinking.

Alcohol detection windows by test type

Test type
Detection window
Notes
💨Breath
12–24 hours after heavy drinking
UK roadside breathalyser; limit is 35mcg per 100ml breath
🩸Blood
6–24 hours
Most accurate; used for prosecution evidence
💧Urine
12–48 hours (standard); up to 80 hours (EtG test)
EtG tests used in probation and workplace testing
🦷Saliva
6–12 hours
Less common; used in some roadside checks
💇Hair
Up to 90 days (EtG in hair)
Used to assess long-term drinking patterns, not single events

Estimates only. Individual results vary based on metabolism, body weight, hydration, and frequency of use.

Detection times for other substances

Frequently asked questions

Alcohol addiction help →Alcohol withdrawal timeline →
SoberNation Community— anonymous peer support, milestones & daily check-ins.
Join the community →
Real UK recovery stories — shared by people on the same journey.
Read stories →
How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System? | Blood, Urine & Breath Tests | SoberNation