Alcohol Addiction
By BrightView
Published: March 13, 2021
Updated: March 13, 2021

For many people, having a drink or two after work or arriving home is an everyday occurrence. Others engage in binge drinking, which can lead to alcohol poisoning as the body cannot process the alcohol out of the body as quickly as it is consumed. Most people do not realize that no matter the volume consumed, alcohol remains in the body for a very long time. At BrightView, we are committed to developing the most effective treatment programs and providing valuable information such as how long it takes for alcohol to leave the body. Speak to a trained professional today to learn more by calling 888.501.9865.

The Facts About Alcohol

How long alcohol remains in a person’s body depends on many factors. Once ingested, alcohol enters the digestive system, where it is processed and absorbed into the bloodstream. It quickly travels throughout the entire body and eventually ends up in the liver. The liver can process about one drink per hour. If more than this is consumed, the system is saturated and cannot be metabolized, therefore, causing damage to the brain and other tissue. While the body metabolizes an average of one drink per hour, this varies from person to person based on age, body composition, and overall health. Several tests can be performed to determine the length of time alcohol is detectable, including:

  • Blood test: Alcohol can show up in a blood test for up to twelve hours.
  • Urine test: Using the traditional method, it can be detected approximately ten hours after consumption. An ethyl glucuronide test (EtG) can detect alcohol for up to five days.
  • Follicle drug test: Alcohol can be detected in a hair follicle for approximately 90 days.

Many people do not realize how long alcohol remains in your body, possibly causing impairment and side effects.

The Benefits of Substance Abuse Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

It is important to note that the more a person drinks, the longer alcohol remains in their system. For a person who suffers from alcohol addiction, their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) may never decrease to an undetectable level. In other words, alcohol is always present in the body, placing unnecessary stress on the liver, brain, and tissue. Liver disease is a very common consequence of alcoholism as the liver is under constant strain to metabolize the continuous flow of toxins out of the body and bloodstream Understanding how alcohol is processed through the body and the dangerous consequences may prevent some casual users from drinking excessively. However, addiction is a disease that stems from abuse and the body’s dependence on the substance, thereby making it impossible for a person to rationally connect consequences with stopping the harmful patterns of consuming alcohol and binge drinking. A person cannot reasonably expect to be free from alcohol addiction without treatment and therapy. At BrightView, we offer patients the treatment options that they need to treat the addiction and fully recover and enjoy lifelong sobriety. Substance abuse treatment may include:

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, understand that it is not a social problem but a disease that requires treatment to overcome.

Discover What an Outpatient Treatment Center in Ohio Can Do for You

Addiction and its consequences vary by person. Therefore, addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. At BrightView’s 22 locations throughout Ohio, we develop individualized programs to meet the needs of each person struggling with addiction. Our outpatient treatment programs are designed to address patients’ physical and mental needs in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We ensure that patients are provided immediate care since there is no time to waste when it comes to a person’s health. Alcohol addiction is a disease that must be diagnosed and treated like any other mental health condition. The addiction specialists at BrightView believe that everyone deserves the right to be treated fairly and with respect. No one is turned away from the valuable, life-saving programs offered at any of our addiction treatment centers. Discover what an outpatient treatment center can do for you or a loved one by calling 888.501.9865 or using the online form to schedule an appointment with an addiction specialist today.