But most people are unaware of the sheer number of illnesses and disorders that are a direct result of too much alcohol consumption, which are officially in excess of 200 known conditions. That's quite a staggering number when you think about it, made even more alarming when considering the number of people who succumb to alcohol-related illness each year.

In fact, 5-10% of adults worldwide experience some form of significant alcohol-related health issues at some point during their lives.

However, there is one illness in particular that deserves more recognition, both for its seriousness and prevalence. An illness which, if serious enough, is quite a terrifying prospect for both sufferers and loved ones: the condition known as alcohol-related brain impairment - also known as alcohol-related brain damage and alcoholic dementia, among others.

Commonly Overlooked

While much of the general discourse centers on afflictions like liver disease and alcohol overdose, the harmful impact of alcohol-related brain damage is surprisingly under-discussed (outside of the medical and health profession) even though it is alarmingly common.

Contrary to popular belief, alcoholic brain damage (or 'wet brain', to use the more colloquial term) isn't exclusive to long-term heavy drinkers. Even those who drink alcohol moderately can experience permanent brain damage.

Through this article, we shall explore the causes, treatment options, and general overview of the condition sometimes referred to as Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome.

What Exactly is ARBD, and Who Is at Risk?

Alcohol-related brain damage, frequently abbreviated as ARBD, is a serious brain disorder, directly correlated with prolonged alcohol consumption habits. However, this isn't just about the occasional leisurely drink; it is a result of consistent alcohol misuse over the years, frequently distinguished by heavy drinking or binge drinking episodes.

While alcohol misuse is a definite concern across all age groups, research suggests that those most susceptible to the negative effects and symptoms of ARBD are people aged between 40 and 50.

A commonly misunderstood element of Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome or alcohol-related dementia is that the damage isn't limited exclusively to the quantity of alcohol consumed - but more the regularity of heavy consumption patterns.

Anyone who may drink heavily on a frequent basis is of potentially quite extreme risk - but even if a person drinks only a few units per day - but does so most days - they could also be exposed to the condition.

As alcohol use disorder continues to grow, understanding who is at risk is an important factor in reducing the number of sufferers. This particularly nasty brain disorder reminds us that drinking alcohol irresponsibly has far-lasting implications and that frequent alcohol abuse targets all genders and age groups.

The Long-Term Consequences of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Consistent excessive alcohol consumption, especially when it exceeds the recommended alcohol limits, can have quite dire consequences, especially on the brain's ability to function properly.

Although, it is worth pointing out once again that this isn't about the occasional overindulgence or infrequent binge drinking; it is more the sustained, heavy drinking that contributes to significant brain impairment over the years.

This damage manifests as alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) or alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI), with symptoms that vary in intensity. For some, the effects may be almost quite subtle at first, presenting as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Occasional memory lapses or a slight struggle in clear thinking might seem harmless. However, even this mild symptom comes with a risk: if the person continues their patterns of alcohol misuse, they risk increasing their brain damage.

For other more unfortunate people, the consequences are far more severe, where disorders categorized as alcohol-induced dementia or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome become evident. People with these conditions often struggle with basic day-to-day tasks, similar in many ways to the challenges faced by those living with severe brain injuries like Alzheimer’s disease.

The correlation between heavy drinking and such awfully debilitating conditions as Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome demonstrates the brain's vulnerability to sustained alcohol abuse, which is similar in many ways to the consequences of heavy, long-term substance abuse.

ARBD vs. Dementia: What's the Difference?

While both alcohol-related brain damage and conditions like Alzheimer's fall under the broad category of cognitive disorders, they share unique characteristics and progression patterns over time. Notably, however, ARBD offers some glimmer of hope not available to people suffering from many dementia types, such as Alzheimer’s disease. With Alzheimer's, there's an inevitable worsening of the disease over time.

However, ARBD does have the potential for reversibility to various degrees. This means that if a person with alcohol-related brain damage stops their alcohol consumption and receives the right levels of support, there is a very real possibility for improvement.

With the right measures in place, including abstaining from alcohol, adopting a healthy diet, and making the most of support groups, these people can experience significant restoration in their cognitive functions. While a full recovery is not always likely, they might reclaim their lost memory, refine their thinking skills, and enhance their overall ability to function independently.

The brain is mercifully resilient in many cases - providing intervention and cessation of alcohol misuse is adhered to - potentially reversing the negative effects of ARBD.

What Constitutes Excessive Drinking?

When consumed in moderation, alcohol is a normal part of social rituals or relaxation methods for some people. However, understanding when how much alcohol is too much is something everyone should be aware of, given the potential negative effects on a person's brain and overall health.

To gauge this, health professionals often use a measure known as a 'unit' of alcohol. By checking the label on alcoholic beverages before a person drinks, one can determine the number of units contained within. A bottle of beer, for example, might contain somewhere in the region of two units.

Most health authorities suggest an upper limit of around 15 units of alcohol per week, advocating for this to be dispersed over three days or more and certainly not 'all in one session'. The reason behind this recommendation lies in the harm that binge drinking can inflict on the brain and nervous system.

When someone's alcohol consumption exceeds approximately 25 units weekly, it might begin to hamper their overall brain function and impede their ability to perform tasks efficiently and effectively.

But what exactly is 'binge drinking'? The term speaks for itself to some degree, referring to the practice of consuming a significant volume of alcohol in a very short interval, such as over a couple of hours or one single evening. For the purpose of clarity, this would be similar to males ingesting eight or more units and women taking in six or more.

Click here for a detailed breakdown of how long alcohol stays in your system

Given the vulnerability of the brain in senior citizens and overall health to the repercussions of alcohol misuse, it is suggested that the elderly should adhere to even stricter limits. After all, their susceptibility to alcohol's effects, from mood changes to more severe brain impairment, is far greater than a person in their twenties.

The Primary Causes of Alcohol-Related Brain Damage

But what is it, exactly, that causes such awful devastation to the brain? The potential repercussions of excessive alcohol consumption are varied, impacting the brain's ability to function optimally, but how does brain damage from alcohol manifest on a biological level?

To understand those reasons, we need to take a look at the science behind alcohol and brain damage.

Nerve Cells' Degeneration

Heavy drinking, particularly when over the recommended limits, has a toxic effect on nerve cells. Over prolonged periods, too much alcohol can trigger the death of brain cells, resulting in a reduction in brain tissue. With a diminishing count of brain cells, the transmission of essential messages across the brain becomes hindered.

Vascular Damage

Beyond its direct impact on brain cells, alcohol misuse can wreak havoc on the blood vessels within the brain. Coupled with the escalation in blood pressure that often accompanies chronic drinking, this presents an increased risk of strokes. This happens because a stroke event signifies a deprivation of oxygen to the brain, leading to potential brain damage.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency

With many alcohol-induced brain injuries, there is a severe deficiency in thiamine. Alcohol impedes the body's ability to absorb and utilize this critical vitamin, which is important for the brain's ability to function properly. People battling alcohol use disorder often have poor nutrition, drawing much of their caloric intake from alcoholic beverages, commonly leading to thiamine deficiency.

These patterns, over extended periods and combined with generally poor health, put these people at an increased risk of malnutrition, further increasing the chances of thiamine deficiency.

Greater Susceptibility to Severe Brain Injury

People who drink heavily are invariably more prone to repetitive head injuries. The influence of alcohol can result in falls, accidental collisions, or becoming targets of violent acts, all of which can culminate in trauma to the brain.

Head injury may sound like a far-reaching consequence of too much alcohol, but make no mistake about it - the chances of a person suffering head injuries, while relatively remote, may happen more often than you might imagine.

In people diagnosed with ARBD, it's not uncommon to identify a combination of all of these damages. Although specific forms of ARBD, like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, bear a direct correlation with particular causes, such as thiamine deficiency in this case.

Are There Different Types of ARBD?

Usually, a person is diagnosed with a specific type of ARBD by a medical or health professional. Depending on their symptoms, they may have one of several conditions, including the following:

• Alcohol-related ‘dementia’
• Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (also called amnestic syndrome)
• Traumatic brain injury
• Alcohol-related stroke
• Other rarer forms of ARBD
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (in pregnancy)

The two main types of ARBD that can cause symptoms of dementia are alcohol-related ‘dementia’ and Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. While neither of these are actual types of dementia (remember, you cannot get better from dementia) there is a reasonable chance of recovery in both of these conditions.

Alcohol Brain Damage Symptoms

Chronic misuse of alcohol can lead to various neurological and cognitive issues, with symptoms presenting in various physical and mental ways. Some of the more prominent signs of alcoholism include:

• Cognitive decline
• Mental confusion
• Memory problems
• Poor balance
• Abnormal eye movements
• Blurred vision
• Clammy skin
• Muscle coordination issues
• Erratic behavior
• Poor decision-making & life choices
• Hepatic encephalopathy

Treatment for Alcohol Related Brain Impairment

The simple fact of the matter is that prolonged misuse of alcohol contributes to a higher risk of neurological disorders like ARBD. Recovery, as with many other additions, starts with the personal realization of this issue: the sufferer must acknowledge that they misuse alcohol. Only then can the withdrawal process start.

The premise of halting alcohol might seem simple enough, but alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be quite brutal, with symptoms like seizures and hallucinations a real possibility if not monitored by qualified professionals. Miracles Asia provides resources and expert support to ensure this withdrawal process is safer, more efficient, and with a greater chance of long-term success.

With personalized treatment that includes customized detox plans & therapy sessions, and prescribed medications, our luxury rehab center, located on the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand, offers clients a truly holistic and tailored approach to guide you or your loved one toward a healthier, alcohol-free future.

At Miracles Asia, you'll find counseling, medical support, and the means to embrace sobriety without fear. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction or self-destructive habit, don't hesitate to reach out to our Admissions Team for a free assessment call that can get you or your loved one the help they deserve.

The post Alcohol-Related Brain Damage first appeared on Miracles Asia.

An old friend shows up and invites you to an evening out. You've had a terrific day so far, and now, being in quite high spirits, you find yourself getting carried away in the moment.

By the time the taxi arrives, you have already drunk far more than you usually would, and the night hasn't even started yet.

At the bar, someone thrusts champagne into your grasp. Ten minutes later, a round of tequila feels like a bright idea. Then another round. Then another.

Your slurred suggestion of “maybe we should eat” is ignored as a round of gigantic cocktails arrives, followed by more of those awful shots.

The next morning, feeling like a wild animal is running rampant inside your cranium, you open your phone and browse the photos - all 88 of them - and remember absolutely nothing.

It looks like you wound up in a random nightclub at some point, but you are without the slightest memory of being there.

Thinking about it, you can't even remember how you got home.

It almost sounds quite amusing and harmless, doesn't it?

But the truth is, alcohol blackouts are no laughing matter and can actually be very, very dangerous. Not only do complete blackouts bring immediate risk to your health, but they can also place you in perilous situations, sometimes even life-threatening.

Through this article, we are going to look at the signs of an alcohol blackout, the basic neurology of what causes it, why they are so extremely dangerous, and (more importantly) why you should avoid them at all costs.

So What Is a Blackout, Exactly?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes alcohol blackouts and alcohol-induced amnesia as moments where memory loss or "gaps" appear in a person's memory due to events transpiring while under the influence of alcohol.

However, there is a very common misinterpretation of equating alcohol-related blackouts and memory loss with "passing out." The latter describes a brief lapse of consciousness characterized by a halt in voluntary actions. Fainting, in other words.

In stark contrast, an alcohol blackout signifies memory loss even though the person remains awake, alert, and fully compos mentis. To a casual observer, someone experiencing these types of blackouts might even appear entirely lucid and sound of mind.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, the root cause behind blackouts is (quite obviously) excessive alcohol consumption, which disrupts the brain's mechanism of shifting memories from short-term to long-term storage and inhibits the formation of new memories.

There are quite interesting biological reasons why it happens - and we will touch on that later in this article - but the basic answer is that too much alcohol often results in a "drunk blackout" because the part of our brain responsible for memory is affected when alcohol delays signals around the brain.

There are two distinct types of alcohol blackouts. A fragmentary blackout results in spotty memories interspersed with memory lapses. On the other hand, a complete blackout means an absolute lack of recollection, primarily because memories either never formed or are irretrievable.

While passing out and blacking out from drinking are two separate things, a general path from blackout drinking to passing out is common, too. When someone passes out due to heavy drinking, it is a sign of alcohol poisoning, which is a rather nasty medical condition that requires immediate attention.

Unfortunately, alcohol poisoning isn't always caught because it is commonly overlooked.

Symptoms and Signs of Alcohol Blackouts

Detecting the signs of blackout drinking is not always an easy undertaking because anyone who is blackout drunk can still execute normal-looking actions and behaviors. People in a blackout might actively participate in discussions or (rather stupidly) operate vehicles, for example.

They will then engage in activities they won't recollect the next day, such as making purchases, having full-blown conversations, or (quite commonly) indulging in risky behaviors like unprotected sex.

The main reason they fail to remember these actions is the interruption in transferring these memories to long-term storage in the brain.

Generally speaking, common symptoms of alcohol-fueled memory blackouts closely mirror those of general alcohol intoxication. These symptoms may include:

• A swirling sensation or dizziness.
• Persistent headaches.
• Involuntary muscle twitches.
• Alterations in vision.
• Challenges in articulation.

However, as mentioned previously, the person in question might remain oblivious to being blackout drunk. In fact, they may remain utterly unaware of this cognitive disconnect, with absolutely no idea they are entering the blackout phase.

What Leads to Blacking Out Drunk?

Blackouts are mostly associated with binge drinking, but they can also happen when people mix certain medications with alcohol - especially medications that are known to cause drowsiness.

The CDC advises that binge drinking is typified as when a man consumes five or more drinks or a woman indulges in four or more drinks within a one-hour time period, approximately.

This could also encompass a drinking pattern that elevates your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) (or blood alcohol level) to 0.08g/dl or above. In most cases, blackouts are more likely when your BAC reaches somewhere around 0.16% or exceeds it. Such a rapid surge in BAC can (and usually will) increase the chances of experiencing blackout drunk episodes.

There are various contributing factors that can affect your BAC, including weight, experience, gender, and the type of alcohol consumed. How quickly the alcohol is consumed is also a factor.

Why Does It Happen?

When someone is blackout drunk, they are entering a medical phenomenon that is scientifically termed "anterograde amnesia.", which refers to an inability to create or retain new memories.

The precise chemical intricacies responsible for blackouts remain unknown, but researchers have identified that the hippocampus — which is basically the brain's memory center — malfunctions during chronic alcohol consumption.

Alcohol is thought to modify the operations of important receptors within the brain. Consequently, steroid production becomes impaired, compromising the connectivity between brain cells, which in turn affects our learning, cognition, and memory capacities, even more so when blackout drunk.

Unsurprisingly, alcohol misuse, excessive drinking, and blackout drinking are more common among young adults. While alcohol abuse is, of course, not more common among young people, the phenomenon of blacking out certainly seems to be more frequent in the younger age group.

Who Is Most Likely to Experience Blackouts?

Having said that, it may be something of a misconception to think that only a particular set of people - such as younger adults - are prone to alcohol-induced blackouts. The fact is, if the blood alcohol concentration touches or surpasses approximately 0.16%, anyone can find themselves approaching a blackout.

Also, blending alcohol with sleep aids or anti-anxiety medications might encourage a blackout even at lower BAC thresholds.

Either way, regardless of age group, the quick surge of alcohol into the bloodstream often triggers blackouts. Factors accelerating this problem include the common mistake of consuming alcohol on an empty stomach or succumbing to way more than "just a few drinks" in social situations.

Interestingly, women often see a spike in BAC quicker than men, probably due to the usual weight difference between the sexes, generally speaking, of course. That said, all binge drinkers, without exception, regardless of gender, are exposed to blackouts.

According to one study, almost 50% of adults confessed to binge drinking in the preceding month. That's quite a staggering statistic when you take a moment to ponder it.

Stats further reveal that binge drinking is notably evident among young adults between the ages of 18 to 25, representing 29% of this demographic. On the other hand, adults aged 25 and beyond, in addition to adolescents between 12 and 17, represent just over 20% and a mere 5% of the binge-drinking population, respectively.

What Are The Dangers of Blackout Drinking?

Medical Complications

Consuming more alcohol than the body can handle can lead to severe medical emergencies, including liver damage and alcohol poisoning. There is also the risk of severe dehydration, gastric issues, and long-term cognitive impairment.

Impaired Judgment

Being blackout drunk impairs our decision-making abilities. This can lead to the following potential issues when blackouts happen:

Drink Driving: With memory loss, might forget how much alcohol they consumed and decide to drive, risking their life and others.

Sexual Risky Behaviors: It is alarmingly common for someone who has consumed alcohol in large quantities to engage in unprotected sex, exposing themselves to sexually transmitted diseases or even unplanned pregnancies.

Physical Harm: Due to disorientation and poor motor coordination, falling or getting into accidents is far more probable than when a person drinks responsibly.

Vulnerability: Being blackout drunk makes people way more susceptible to crimes like theft, assault, or even worse, as they are not fully aware of their surroundings.

Poor Impulse Control: With an impaired cognitive function and reduced inhibitions, an intoxicated person who is blacked out drunk is less likely to think things through and make informed decisions.

How to Avoid Blackout Drinking

Avoiding blackout drinking is important not only for general memory retention but also for your overall health, safety, and well-being. By knowing how much alcohol is enough and recognizing the signs of acute intoxication, you can take measured, constructive steps to maintain control over your alcohol use.

Here are some strategies we suggest to help prevent blackout drunk episodes:

Set Your limits

It is recommended that men should limit their intake to no more than four drinks on any single day and no more than 14 drinks per week. For women, the amount is no more than three drinks on any single day and no more than seven drinks per week in total.

If you familiarize yourself with what constitutes a standard drink, you can create a plan that details both the frequency (days per week) and quantity (units per session) of your alcohol consumption.

This might sound like a complicated measure. Drinking, after all, is supposed to be fun. Formulating a 'plan' probably seems against the very nature of an enjoyable evening out. However, this is something you can mentally plan in mere seconds. Working out your weekly limits takes very little effort, and we greatly encourage you to do so. It can make a real difference to your health and well-being.

Count your drinks

Given the memory problems associated with excessive alcohol use, it's surprisingly easy to lose track of the number of alcoholic drinks one has consumed. Using modern approaches such as a tracking app can be really quite helpful in maintaining awareness of your alcohol intake.

Seek support

Suffering from alcohol abuse or even merely attempting to reduce consumption is far from easy. Alcohol use disorder can be an immense struggle, but remember that you don't have to face it alone.

By enlisting the aid of understanding friends, supportive family members, and specialized healthcare professionals, you can find not only emotional solace but practical, actionable advice, which helps approach alcohol use disorder more effectively.

Control your triggers

Everyone's relationship with alcohol is unique. Certain situations, moods, and events might inadvertently push someone towards drinking more than they had intended or returning to old patterns of alcohol abuse. The option of non-alcoholic drinks in potential trigger situations is a good way to maintain control.

Alcohol-related issues, including Alcohol abuse and alcoholism, require a clean break away from alcohol. If the cycle of moderation is too challenging, and if blackout drunk episodes continue to pose a threat to your health, professional help might be required.

Prevent Blackout Drinking with Miracles Asia

Miracles Asia, located on the beautiful, tropical island of Phuket, Thailand, can help you or a loved one who may be having a hard time with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. We provide a comprehensive approach to healing, including detox, inpatient and outpatient care, counseling, and support groups, in addition to drug therapy and nutritional Changes.

Understanding the signs of alcohol overuse, especially dangerous episodes of blackout drinking, requires positive action, and if alcohol addiction becomes a factor over time, intervention becomes absolutely crucial.

Specializing in alcohol addiction treatment, we offer tailored support to steer patients through the recovery process, combining the latest rehab strategies with the comfort of a luxurious retreat on an achingly beautiful tropical island.

Our alcohol abuse program is run by a caring team of experienced professionals, with treatment options including both medical and emotional support, designed to not only treat but to equip our patients with the tools to prevent blackout drinking but also the strength to abstain going forward.

For treatment options that really work, Miracles Asia can help. Reach out today, and begin your journey to an addiction-free life!

The post Signs, Causes, and Dangers of Blackout From Drinking first appeared on Miracles Asia.

Whether you must drive the next day or have other chores that require you to be sober, calculating how much alcohol you can drink while on your night out with friends becomes essential. Of course, avoiding drinking in such circumstances would always be best. However, if you can't do that, you need to know at least when to finish your drinking for the alcohol to leave your system by then.

The issue is that it's not a straightforward question to answer. How fast your body metabolizes alcohol depends on numerous factors, such as age, the type of alcohol you drink, gender, etc.

In today's guide, we'll explain:

• how long does alcohol stay in your blood, breath, saliva, urine, and hair;
• what is BAC, and how it's used to measure one's alcohol concentration within a body;
• what factors affect how a person's body processes alcohol;
• how fast it takes for a person to sober up;
• and the potential worrying signs of alcohol abuse and addiction.

How Long Does It Take Alcohol to Leave Your System?

How long the alcohol stays in your system will depend on numerous different factors, such as your metabolism, the type of alcohol you drink, and how much alcohol you consume. That time will also vary depending on the test performed to detect alcohol.

On average, alcohol can stay in your system for:

• Up to 6 hours in blood;
• Between 12-72 hours in urine;
• Between 12-24 hours in breath;
• Between 12-24 hours in saliva;
• Up to 90 days in the hair follicle.

How to Measure How Much Alcohol Is In Your System?

Alcohol tests measure alcohol content based on the breath/blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. What's important to understand is that BAC is not the total amount of alcohol consumed. Essentially, it shows how much ethanol is in 100 milliliters of blood or 210 milliliters of breath.

However, blood alcohol content isn't only restricted to breath and blood tests. Saliva, hair, and urine tests also use this measure. BAC is displayed as a decimal, where, on average, one standard drink increases BAC levels by 0.02 during the 45-60 minutes it takes for a human body to absorb alcohol.

What is a standard drink? According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a standard drink is the equivalent to:

• 12 ounces of regular beer of approximately 5% alcohol;
• 5 ounces of wine of approximately 12%:
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits of about 40% alcohol.

How Fast Does Alcohol Kick In?

As covered, it takes around 60 minutes for an average person to absorb a standard alcoholic drink, with BAC reducing approximately by 0.16 every hour. However, you can start feeling the effects of alcohol even within several minutes of having a drink, with an average time being anything between 15-45 minutes.

That time will depend heavily on the type of beverage your drink, whether you drink on an empty stomach, gender, age, and drinking habits.

For instance, since beer and wine have a lower alcohol content than distilled spirits, you're likely to feel their effects slower when compared to stronger alcoholic beverages, such as rum, vodka, or whisky.

Your drinking habits will also affect how fast you can feel the effects of alcohol. For instance, if you engage in binge drinking (excessive alcohol consumption), your BAC will increase by 0.08 on average as opposed to standard 0.02.

How to know if you're drunk? The most common signs of being drunk include slurred speech, lack of coordination, difficulty concentrating, and problems remembering things.

Too much alcohol can also lead to alcohol poisoning, which can manifest itself in vomiting, seizures, trouble breathing, slowed heart rate, confusion, or loss of consciousness. In extreme situations, an alcohol overdose can even be fatal.

How Does Your Body Metabolize Alcohol?

Once consumed, alcohol enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. From there, it's transported across the body and to the brain.

Then, the body, mainly the liver, breaks down alcohol into two primary enzymes - alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). The remaining alcohol that isn't metabolized is then eliminated through urine and breath.

As for how fast your body metabolizes alcohol, this will depend on numerous factors.

What Impacts Your Alcohol Metabolism?

What many people often don't understand is that how long alcohol stays in the system doesn't solely depend on how much they drank.

For instance, suppose you and your friend drank the same amount of alcohol last night. You both take a breath test, and while you still have some alcohol remaining in your system, your friend has a BAC of round 0.

That's because how fast your body processes alcohol varies depending on several factors. Namely:

• Gender. In general, women process alcohol slower than men. That's because, biologically, women have a higher body percentage of fat and a lower percentage of water in their bodies than men. And while this isn't the case for everyone, it does affect how fast the alcohol is processed.
• Weight and body composition. In most instances, the less the person weighs and the smaller their body size, the less body water they have, meaning they can feel the effects of alcohol much faster than those of bigger size and weight, even when drinking the same amount.
• Food. Since alcohol is absorbed in your digestive tract, the less you eat, the faster your body absorbs and processes it. However, while it does make alcohol stay in your system for a shorter period, it also increases the unpleasant effects of drinking, such as dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
• Medications. Some medications and drugs, such as painkillers or antidepressants, can affect how fast your body processes alcohol. Benzodiazepines or opiates, for instance, can increase the effects of alcohol, so be sure to consult your doctor before drinking alcohol while using medications.
• Individual tolerance. You can develop a tolerance for alcohol when your body gets used to the substance over time. For the tolerance to develop, you'd need to use alcohol frequently. Once that happens, it will take you longer to experience the effects of alcohol.

How Fast Does It Take to Sober Up?

A body can eliminate 0.0015 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood per hour. Put simply, it takes about one hour for a standard drink to wear off. Again this will depend on the factors we've already discussed, such as your body weight, biological sex, etc.

According to the Southern Illinois University Student Health Services, it takes around 2.5 hours for a person with a BAC level of 0.04 to sober up. The amount of time then rises respectively depending on the blood alcohol concentration level - 5 hours for a BAC of 0.08, 6.25 hours for a BAC of 0.1, and even up to 12.5 hours for a BAC of 0.2.

Also, remember that sobering up doesn't indicate your body has eliminated alcohol from your body. As explained, standard alcohol tests detect alcohol even up to 24 hours after finishing your last drink.

Also, while we're at it, is it possible to sober up faster?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. It's a popular misconception that exercising, drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or vomiting can help eliminate alcohol faster. That's not true, though. While these can help ease off the effects of a hangover, they won't help your body process alcohol faster.

Another popular method is to keep drinking water when using alcohol. Again, this won't help your body sober up quicker. What it will do, however, is help you wake up feeling better the next day.

There's no way to sober up faster, though. You just need to wait it out.

When to Know You Might've Developed an Alcohol Addiction?

So yes, how fast alcohol is eliminated from your system depends on numerous factors. One of them is how you use alcohol. As covered, the more you drink, the higher your tolerance becomes, meaning you need to drink more to achieve the desired effects. This can quickly get out of control, becoming alcohol abuse and, eventually, a fully-fledged alcohol use disorder (AUD), aka alcohol addiction.

When that happens, the only solution is to seek professional help. Otherwise, substance abuse and addiction can lead to severe short and long-term physical and mental health issues, such as liver failure, cardiovascular problems, depression, or anxiety.

As for when to know when you or the person you know might've developed an alcohol addiction, keep an eye out for the following signs:

• Engaging in unhealthy drinking patterns, e.g., binge drinking or drinking alone;
• Hiding your drinking from family and friends;
• Continuing to drink despite it affecting your job responsibilities and social relationships;
• Feeling substantial alcohol cravings when not drinking;
• Building up a high alcohol tolerance leading to excessive drinking and life-threatening alcohol poisoning and overdose;
• Experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, mood swings, sweating, nausea, migraines, etc;
• Being unable to stop drinking despite trying to quit;
• Putting yourself in dangerous situations under the influence, e.g., drunk driving, swimming, hiking, etc.

How Miracles Asia Can Help

If you worry your drinking has become a problem you can no more handle yourself, you'll need to find a place where you can find the help and support needed to regain control over your life. The best solution is to seek rehab overseas.

Why? Because it offers privacy and a top-quality level of treatment for a fraction of the price charged by Western facilities. And here's where Miracles Asia comes in.

As the #1 Rehab Center in Thailand, Miracles Asia provides people struggling with alcohol addiction with high-quality treatment options. Our alcohol addiction rehab & treatment program combines the best addiction treatment techniques, providing each patient with an individual program tailored to their specific case.

The program will start with a medically supervised detoxification process, during which we ensure alcohol is fully eliminated from your system without the risk of withdrawal symptoms damaging your health or threatening your life. From then, you will proceed with your treatment program, which will likely include therapy sessions, exercise, and group counseling.

All this while you stay in our facility on the beautiful and tranquil island of Phuket in Thailand, free of triggers and stressors but with access to multiple amenities, such as swimming pools, yoga studios, massage studios, and your private room.

Key Takeaways

As you can see, answering how long alcohol stays in your system isn't straightforward. For instance, alcohol can stay in the blood for up to six hours, whereas breath, urine, and saliva tests detect alcohol even within 24 hours of finishing your last drink.

However, it all depends on numerous factors, such as the amount of alcohol drank, its type, and whether you ate anything before drinking. It will also depend on biological factors, such as gender, age, weight, and size.

Long story short, if you have any chores or plans that require you to be sober the next day, it's best to avoid drinking entirely. It's also important to pay attention to any worrying signs of alcohol abuse and addiction.

Frequent drinking builds up your alcohol tolerance, requiring you to drink more to achieve the desired effects. This can quickly get out of hand, especially if you struggle with mental health problems or have a family history of addiction.

If you believe your drinking has become a problem you're unable to handle yourself, contact Miracles Asia's team today. Don't wait until it's too late, and remember that admitting you may have an alcohol problem is the first step toward recovery.

The post How Long Does Alcohol Stay In Your System? first appeared on Miracles Asia.