
The amount of time it takes to sober up from alcohol can vary on a case-by-case basis. Traditionally, healthy livers can process approximately one unit of alcohol every hour.
This means if you drank six units or glasses of alcohol, it would take approximately six hours before you were completely sober. Unfortunately, far too many drunk drivers make the mistake of thinking they can take steps to sober up more quickly. However, nothing but time can genuinely help you get sober.
How Long Will It Take to Get Sober?
It is difficult to say how long it will take someone to get sober after consuming enough alcohol to lead to intoxication. The liver is capable of processing approximately 1 to 2 drinks every hour. However, when you consume more alcohol than that, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels can rise exponentially.
Multiple factors impact how long it will take you to sober up. How often you drink, how much alcohol you consume regularly, your body weight, and whether you are on any medications are all contributing factors. Generally, a 12-ounce beer has approximately 5% alcohol, while one shot of hard liquor can have up to 40% alcohol content.
The amount of time an individual will remain under the influence is generally approximately 6 to 8 hours after exceeding the state chemical blood alcohol content limits of .08% or more. However, if someone has been intoxicated for longer than this time, they should receive medical treatment.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
One of the top factors influencing how long a person is under the influence of alcohol is the frequency with which they drink. Individuals who are long-term drinkers or participate in binge drinking may be more likely to suffer symptoms of alcohol withdrawal if they go without alcohol for any period of time.
Generally, withdrawal symptoms can begin within eight hours after someone’s last alcoholic beverage. Typically, the most severe symptoms peak within 72 hours of the individual’s last drink. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can last for several days and are extremely dangerous. Individuals suffering from alcoholism and attempting to get sober should only attempt to go through withdrawal under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Alcohol is a depressant, and signs of withdrawal can include:
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Severe fatigue
- Anxiety
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Delerium tremens (the “DTs”)
These symptoms are different from the ones someone will experience when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While many people enjoy the feeling of intoxication, people can quickly become dependent on the feelings they induce, ultimately causing alcohol dependency and addiction.
How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours before starting to subside. However, people dealing with alcohol dependency issues may experience emotional symptoms for significantly longer as they attempt to beat their addiction. Because withdrawal symptoms can be so debilitating, many people dealing with alcohol dependency issues will begin drinking again to escape withdrawal effects.
Factors Impacting How Long It Takes to Sober Up
Some of the factors that could have an impact on how long it will take you to sober up after consuming alcohol include the following:
- How much you ate that day
- What you ate that day
- How long ago you are
- How much alcohol you consumed
- Your weight
- Your age
- Whether you are male or female
- How long you have been drinking
- How frequently you drink
- Whether you consumed illegal drugs
- Whether you have a mental health or physical medical condition
How to Reduce Intoxication Symptoms and Sober Up
There is no way to make yourself sober up quickly after becoming intoxicated. The only thing that can help you overcome the effects of alcohol consumption is time. However, some things can help you reduce your symptoms of intoxication, and these include:
- Taking a cold shower – Taking a cold shower may help you feel more alert while you are impaired. However, there may be an increased risk of shock or unconsciousness, depending on your level of intoxication.
- Eating food and drinking water – If you eat food before, during, and after consuming alcohol, the alcohol may be absorbed into your bloodstream more slowly. It is also a smart idea to drink water so you can avoid dehydration and flush the toxins from your body.
- Consuming caffeine – Consuming caffeine will not reduce your BAC levels, but it could make you feel more alert and awake.
- Getting sleep – Arguably, the best way to get sober is to get sleep. Your body can rest and recuperate while the alcohol slowly leaves your system. This gives your liver time to metabolize the alcohol you consumed.
- Exercising – Exercise will not help your body metabolize the alcohol more quickly, but it could help you feel more awake and aware while intoxicated.
- Taking charcoal or carbon capsules – You could try sobering up with charcoal or carbon capsules you can purchase at any local drug store or health food shop. However, little evidence suggests that these help your body metabolize the alcohol more quickly so you can get sober.
What Happens When You Are Arrested for a DUI
People often get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol because they are unaware of how intoxicated they are. However, even buzzed driving is considered drunk driving in California. Anyone stopped and accused of driving under the influence will be arrested.
You will be brought to the local county jail for booking, at which point you can contact your DUI attorney in Los Angeles for help. Make sure to remain silent, do not attempt to clear up the matter with the police, and let time pass while you sober up to begin working on your defense strategy.
Contact a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for Help Today
If you were stopped and arrested for drunk driving, you have the right to defend yourself. The human body processes alcohol differently in every case. Even if you thought you were sober when you got behind the wheel, your blood alcohol concentration levels might suggest otherwise.
Make sure you have an experienced legal defender who can help you clear your name of the charges against you. Reach out to a reputable Los Angeles DUI lawyer to discuss your defenses further. Please fill out our confidential contact form or call us to get started on your potential DUI defense strategies as soon as today.