During the Tet holiday, beer and alcohol are traditional beverages that are almost indispensable and have become a part of Tet culture. During this time, the consumption of alcohol and beer in Vietnam significantly increases.
However, regulations regarding penalties for violating blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits have also become a headache for many. This is because people are often unsure about how much they can drink to allow their bodies to eliminate alcohol effectively.
How Long Does It Take for Alcohol to Leave the Body?
Accordingly, there is no completely accurate answer to the question of how long it takes for blood alcohol concentration to reach zero, as the exact time required to eliminate alcohol from the body varies depending on individual circumstances.
Blood alcohol concentration peaks 30-90 minutes after drinking.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a unit of alcohol as follows:
One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10g of pure ethanol, which is equal to 200ml of beer; 75ml of wine (one glass); or 25ml of spirits (one shot). The amount consumed can be converted into approximately how many units of alcohol.
For a healthy adult, the liver will eliminate one unit of alcohol approximately every hour. This is an average figure; depending on different physical conditions, this time may increase or decrease due to factors such as health issues, age, weight, or if the stomach is full of food, which will slow the absorption rate of alcohol and consequently its elimination. Additionally, after elimination, the liver needs another three hours for blood alcohol concentration to return to zero.
When Does Blood Alcohol Concentration Peak?
In an interview with Zingnews, Dr. Le Thi Phuong Thao from the Addiction Treatment Department, Mental Health Institute, Bach Mai Hospital (Hanoi) stated that alcohol is absorbed 10% in the stomach, with the remainder absorbed in the small intestine. The peak blood alcohol concentration occurs 30-90 minutes after consumption. The absorption time depends on whether the person is hungry or full.
For instance, when a person is full, alcohol absorption is slower. Conversely, if alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach, it will be absorbed more quickly.
Alcohol is completely soluble in water in the body, so once absorbed into the bloodstream, it spreads to the brain and all other tissues. Consequently, alcohol affects the brain, liver, and many other organs in the body.
If you must drink alcohol, it is recommended that individuals do not consume more than 5 days a week. Men should not drink more than 2 units of alcohol per day, while for women, it is 1 unit of alcohol per day. Two units of alcohol correspond to 1-1.5 bottles or cans of beer; 2 cups of beer; 2 glasses of wine; or 2 shots of 40-proof liquor.
