When someone asks, “How long does it take to get sober?”, the answer can mean different things. Are they asking how long until the alcohol wears off? Or how long it takes to truly recover physically, mentally, and emotionally?
While your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can fall within hours, lasting sobriety requires more than just time. For people struggling with regular or heavy drinking, getting sober often means getting help.
In this guide, we’ll break down how the body processes alcohol, why time is only part of the equation, and what it really takes to achieve long-term recovery.
Alcohol Metabolism and Elimination
Sobering up begins in the liver, where enzymes work to break down alcohol in your system.
How the Body Processes Alcohol
After drinking, alcohol enters your bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. From there, it’s metabolized mostly by your liver. The average elimination rate is about 0.015 BAC per hour, which translates roughly to one standard drink per hour.
Factors like alcohol absorption, gastric emptying, and genetic makeup affect this rate, meaning some people metabolize alcohol faster or slower than others.
Detection Windows by Test Type
Even when someone appears sober, alcohol can still be detected in the body:
- Breath: Up to 24 hours
- Urine: Up to 80 hours
- Saliva: 1–5 days
- Blood: Up to 12 hours
Want to dive deeper into how alcohol is processed? Visit NIAAA for detailed insights.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and Sobriety
BAC is the most widely used measure of intoxication but it doesn't always reflect someone's level of impairment or recovery.
What Is a 'Sober' BAC?
- 0.08% BAC is the legal limit for driving in most states
- 0.02% BAC or below is often considered “functionally sober”
- 0.00% BAC indicates complete elimination, but doesn’t always mean full physical or mental recovery
How Long to Reach Sober BAC?
Your body can typically lower BAC by 0.015 per hour. That means if you’re at 0.10%, it can take about 6–
7 hours to sober up. But this varies widely based on individual factors.
See CDC guidelines for understanding standard drink sizes and alcohol limits.
Factors That Affect Sobriety Time
The timeline for becoming sober isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on:
Biological Factors
- Body weight and sex
- Liver and kidney health
- Alcohol metabolism rate
- Other substances ingested
Situational Variables
- Type and amount of alcohol consumed
- How often you drink
- Food in the stomach
- Co-occurring health conditions or medications
Myths About Sobering Up
There’s no shortage of “quick fixes” for sobering up, but most are ineffective.
What Doesn’t Work
- Cold showers
- Coffee or energy drinks
- Vomiting
- Exercise or sweating it out
What Does Help
- Time—you can’t speed up metabolism
- Hydration and rest for recovery
- Medical detox, especially if withdrawal symptoms appear
The National Library of Medicine warns against relying on folk remedies or trying to detox at home without support.
What If Getting Sober Isn’t Just About One Night?
Sometimes the question, “How long does it take to get sober?” is really about more than a hangover. It’s about breaking a cycle.
If you or a loved one is struggling to stop drinking, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, nausea, or tremors, that may indicate alcohol dependence or addiction. In these cases, professional help isn’t just recommended. It’s essential.
Getting Sober for the Long Term
Sobriety goes far beyond BAC numbers. True recovery involves healing your body, mind, and relationships.
What Effective Treatment Looks Like
At The Addiction Recovery Center by Texas Health, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs to help individuals achieve lasting sobriety. Our offerings include:
- Medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely
- Inpatient rehab in a comfortable, structured environment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) for intensive day treatment
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for flexibility with structure
- Outpatient therapy and counseling for continued progress
- Certified counselors and clinical staff with deep addiction expertise
- Relapse prevention planning tailored to your lifestyle
- A strong support network, including group therapy and aftercare
- Care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit
Our approach blends clinical excellence with compassionate, faith-based care. Every plan is personalized to support long-term healing.
Learn more about our alcohol treatment programs.
Start the Path Toward Lasting Sobriety
Whether you’re wondering how long it takes to sober up after a night of drinking, or whether you’re realizing it may be time for something more, know this: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At The Addiction Recovery Center by Texas Health, we’re here to support your journey from the very first step. Our team is ready to guide you through detox, therapy, and recovery with care that’s proven, personal, and compassionate.
Schedule your free, confidential assessment today to take the first step toward a healthier future.
FAQs About Getting Sober
How long does it take to sober up from alcohol?
Your body processes about one standard drink per hour, but many variables affect how quickly you feel sober.
Can I sober up faster with coffee or exercise?
No. These may temporarily mask symptoms, but only time lowers your BAC.
Is it dangerous to quit drinking suddenly?
Yes. People who drink heavily may experience serious withdrawal symptoms, including seizures or hallucinations. Always seek medical supervision for detox.
What’s the difference between detox and sobriety?
Detox is the short-term physical process of eliminating alcohol. Sobriety is a long-term lifestyle that involves healing mentally, emotionally, and physically.